REVIEW: EVERYBODY'S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE: CINEMA SCREENING

When you live "up north" as I do, and you love theatre as much as I do,  getting to see a show isn't always easy.  The West End is a bit too far away to just pop out to see a show.

I do have Manchester and Liverpool about half an hour away from me, so I am lucky that I can see touring shows, but the London-only shows are another story. To see a West End show I am looking at extortionate train fares plus parking, plus tube fare, plus show tickets.. It's just, basically, unaffordable. (Hamilton bankrupted me... But of course it was worth it!)

And so, generally, I have to wait for shows to tour....which can often mean waiting a fair few years! Years!! It's just not fair...

Which is why I LOVED it when I found out that a live show of Everybody's Talking About Jamie was going to be shown at my local cinema. And it cost less than £15 to go. Result.

So, what did I think of the show?

"Jamie" is the story of a 16 year old Sheffield lad, Jamie New, whose dream is to become a drag queen. He meets a brilliant mentor Hugo and with the help of him, his amazing mum and amazing friend Pritti, he faces down the bullies and the demons and achieves his dream.

I absolutely loved it. It is a special story for me because I am a mum to a 16 year old lad called Jamie (although that's where the similarity ends (as far as I know...!)). I adored the exploration of the relationship of Jamie with his mum as he is on the cusp of adulthood, and how she would do anything to make him happy and as she realises he's growing up and becoming a man.. And I sobbed! A lot.

Fabulous performances by John McCrea and Josie walker.

The music was brilliant. From the opening number, a fantastic ensemble piece with Jamie and his class mates it was obvious I was going to love it. Getting that soundtrack.

And the story (based of the true story of the wonderful Jamie Campbell) is charming and fabulous and brilliant. I was drawn in from the start and sad when it was over.

In terms of seeing a musical at the cinema its not quite the same as actually being at the show. You do lose some of the atmosphere that you get with live theatre. But as a, second best option, it's great. You still get to learn the story, put the songs in context and experience what the show is about. That said, I now desperately want to travel to London and see "Jamie" for myself.

I wish more West End shows would follow "Jamie" 's lead and put on cinema broadcasts of a live show. (I am looking at you Hamilton, Waitress, Heathers and DEH (when you open) ...)

It is a great way of making musical theatre more accessible and affordable for all. You might argue that it would lead to fewer sales in the West End but if anything my experience has made me want to see the live show even more. It has served as a "taster ", and I am sure that others will feel the same.

Overall, Everybody's Talking About Jamie, and for very good reason. It's amazing.

The Perfect Year

I have seen some awesome theatre in 2018. I am so lucky. Both professional and amateur, plays and musicals.

My highlights were Hamilton, Kinky Boots and Six. And any show my kids were in of course...

Words can't really describe how happy the theatre makes me. The atmosphere before the show starts, finding your seat, looking through the programme...the moment the band starts...the whole shebang!

And I am thrilled that I already have some great shows lined up to see in 2019.

Again my children are appearing in some local amateur shows...we have Joseph, Animal Farm and Winnie The Pooh for starters!

I'm supporting local amateur groups in Warrington and Runcorn by seeing as many of their shows as possible.

And as for professional shows I am already booked for Les Miserables and Book of Mormon and sure there will be many more to follow....(if I have my way!).

If any local groups would like me to come along and review their show then I would be more than happy to!

But in the meantime can I just say happy new year to all my theatre friends! The ones who are so ridiculously talented who appear in shows and plays, the theatre mums and dads ferrying their little divas from here to there and supporting them wildly at every performance, the hard working directors and company leaders who do so much to keep theatre thriving, and anyone and everyone in between.

Have a happy new theatre year!

Wake Me Up When September Ends....

Erm, I last blogged here at the start of September apparently? Oh.  Doesn't time fly when you're having fun? And before you know it, it's nearly Christmas!

So, what on earth have I been up to, in a "world of theatre and musical theatre" kind of way? Oh my goodness, quite an awful lot. 

And I haven't got time, unfortunately, to review every single show I've seen in great depth, because I've been so rubbish and not found the time to blog......but don't despair! I have decided to give you a quick mini-review of everything instead! All in one blog post! Like a megamix! Yay!

Here goes....

September:
Little Women by Centenary Theatre Company at The Brindley, Runcorn

I have to admit, I have not seen as many plays as I would have liked. But this was a good place to start! A lovely ensemble with some believable characters and this classic story was portrayed in a charming way.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Footloose by Encore Productions at The Brindley, Runcorn

I can barely remember watching the movie Footloose ...I am that old and it was so long ago that I had mostly forgotten it. But this musical brought the story to life in a fabulous way. With a fantastic leading man and woman and brilliant supporting cast down to the excellent music and choreography this was a first class production that had us all dancing in the aisles.

Matilda, touring production, Palace Theatre, Manchester

This was my second time seeing Matilda, having seen it in the West End. And it was just as good second time round. Craig Els excelled as Miss Trunchbull and the child cast were outstanding. The only downside was that my seat was a little far over to one side so I missed a little of the action on stage which was slightly disappointing.. I think I will go for circle seats next time.. I am sure I will see it again at some point!

October:
The Railway Children, Encore Productions, The Pyramid, Warrington

This classic story was brought to life in a touching and humorous way by this local theatre group. I was lucky enough to see both casts (the child roles were all double cast) and each of these young actors were fantastic. The role of Mr Perks was played by Seb Farrell and he was fantastic, in character from the moment I walked into the theatre and he stamped my railway ticket. The supporting cast were brilliant and it was a real ensemble piece. A great play from Josh Hankey on his directorial debut.

November:
Kinky Boots, touring production, Opera House, Manchester

This was always going to be a special musical for me. Cyndi Lauper wrote the songs for a musical about MY HOME TOWN! Little old Northampton. Wow. And I can't find anything to fault about it. Fantastic leads in Charlie and Lola (thought that was a Cbeebies show haha),  the Angels were amazing and even though I was convinced the Northampton accent would be rubbish I have to admit they had a good go at it! A show that will definitely raise you up.

The Wedding Singer, Centenary Theatre Company, The Brindley, Runcorn

As a self-confessed "child of the 80s" (yes I'm that old) I have to admit I was looking forward to seeing a musical of one of my favourite films from the 90s set in the 80s....and it exceeded all expectations.  Fun from start to finish, a very very funny show with some amazing vocalists and stunning choreography.  A great night's entertainment, well done Centenary.

December:
Six The Musical, The Lowry, Salford

Now, I am a history buff and the Tudors is probably my favourite period of history.  So when I learned there was now a musical based on Henry VIII's wives and their stories I was beside myself.  Tickets were booked.  And OMG am I glad they were! Six was incredible.  Half rock concert/half musical, this 75 minute long show is just amazing from start to finish.  With songs based on the styles of Katy Perry, Adele, Ariana the wives were brought to live with amazing vocals and such an incredible bond between the actresses playing them.  I especially loved all the modern cultural inserts - very clever.  If you've not seen Six then make sure you do.  Absolutely stunning.

So that's my last few months. Busy busy but some brilliant shows that made me very happy.

So what's next? Shows to come in 2019:
Winnie The Pooh/Honk The Musical
Les Miserables (touring)
Joseph
Wind In The Willows
Our Day Out
Animal Farm
Book of Mormon

That's whats booked so far! Some of these may include my kids, I'll be honest. Haha..There will be a review of the year at the end of December and I promise I'll be a better blogger next year.   As Alexander Hamilton once said, just you wait...

REVIEW: BARNUM BY CODYS PRODUCTIONS: THE BRINDLEY 15 SEPTEMBER

P.T. Barnum is fresh in everyone's minds at the moment due to the phenomenon that is The Greatest Showman. But here at The Brindley this week Codys Productions have brought us the original Barnum The Musical. And what a great show it was.

Focussing on Barnum's life from when he opened his American Museum right through to his venture into political life with a whole heap of circus skills thrown in, this musical was an absolute treat from start to finish.

Barnum himself was expertly played by Clayton Roberts who had learnt to juggle, perform tricks, stilt walk and walk the tightrope during the rehearsal process. (In fact all of the 60-strong cast had been trained in some form or another of circus skills and it was an impressive display with them all showing off their circus talents on stage).  Clayton was charming and you couldn't help but root for Barnum as he tricked and "humbugged" his way through the show. Charity, his wife, was played wonderfully by Sophia Thomson, who has a truly amazing voice, and she and played the role of long suffering wife beautifully. The duet of The Colours of My Life was just gorgeous.

Other notable performers were Mollie Neal who played Joice Heth, (the Oldest Woman in The World) Erin Smith as Jenny Lind and Joe Campbell and Sophie Powell's version of Black and White was very impressive. The talent that these young performers have is astounding (Codys' age range is 11 to 18).

The principals were supported by an incredible cast, all of whom obviously love what they were doing. (This was evident in the impromptu finale!)

Choreographing 60-plus kids in the big group numbers Join The Circus and Come Follow The Band must have been a challenge but choreographer Natasha Bill did an incredible job.

The cast were accompanied by wonderful musicians under the direction of Simon Pickup.

Director Nick Cupit always puts on amazing shows and this was no exception.  Visually stunning and confetti cannon-tastic!

Overall this really was "The Greatest Show".  Audiences left with huge grins on their faces.

Looking forward to Codys' next show, Joseph, in March.

REVIEW: IN THE HEIGHTS - LIVERPOOL EMPIRE

I was lucky enough to see this production by Liverpool Youth Theatre.

In The Heights was written by the incredible Lin-Manuel Miranda and premiered on Broadway in 2008.  It tells the story, set over three days, of Usnavi de la Vega who is the "narrator" of the show and who owns a small bodega in Washington Heights.  The musical focuses on Usnavi and the people with whom he grew up and is really about friends, family and a sense of belonging.

From the moment the first titular song "In The Heights" began I knew I was in for a treat

Usnavi was played by Jamil Abbasi - and he managed the fast rap written by and for Lin Manuel magnificently - his Usnavi was funny and charming and he led the show fantastically.   Triple threat Ellie Norton played Nina, Usnavi's childhood friend recently returned from Stamford University with a bombshell to drop to her parents.  Ellie played this part wonderfully and her version of "Breathe" was a highlight and just spine tingling.  A faultless performance.

There are too many cast members to go through everybody but I want to make a special mention also to Esme Bowdler who played Daniela - she was very funny throughout and "Carnaval Del Barrio" (my favourite song) was stunning.   Emily-Louise Lockhart who played Camila performed "Enough" with such passion! I  also want to mention Scarlett New who played Abuela Claudia.  I have seen In The Heights twice before but this was the first time that the song "Paciencia y Fe" really struck me and gave a sense of Abuela's moving back story.

This production had everything - from set design to costumes to stunning colours and use of lighting.  Great choreography and ensemble work.  There was a lot of humour and also some tragedy - I will admit that tears were shed when one of the characters passed away (no spoilers!) at the end of the song "Alabanza".

If I have one tiny criticism it was that sometimes the levels seemed a little out - it was a struggle to hear the lead vocals over the backing at certain points - but other than that I can't fault it.

There was a real sense of teamwork and camaraderie amongst the cast and that paid off.

The future of the north west's musical theatre life is secured if Liverpool Youth Theatre are anything to go by.  A well deserved standing ovation.

Anything Goes

Multi-tasker.  Jack or Jill of all trades...Glutton for punishment??

As a "theatre mum" (or dad!) you have to be super talented yourself. Okay, so you may not be the one performing in front of hundreds of people in a show, and you may not be able to act, you may have two left feet and a voice that sounds like a cat in a washing machine -  but you will find yourself having to wear a number of metaphorical hats.

Let me take you through some of the roles that you, as a theatre parent, may be expected to take on....

1. Agent

Firstly you have to get your kid the work in the first place - sign them up to the theatre groups, find the best teachers, seek out the auditions, message those in the know, get yourself known, spend time emailing and messaging.  Without your detective work the journey can't even begin and your child will be left just playing on the Xbox or singing into their hairbrushes at home.

2. PA and diary coordinator

So your child gets into the theatre group of their choosing.  Yay! The rehearsal schedule comes out.   You have to know where to get your child to, and what time, for how long, and what they need.  And as show week gets closer it gets more and more complicated.  There are more rehearsals at different times and different places.   And if they're rehearsing for more than one show at a time it can really become confusing.  Get yourself a diary or online calendar or you're stuffed.

3. Counsellor

Yes, despite your child OBVIOUSLY being the next Hugh Jackman or Idina Menzel, auditions may not go well all the time.  They may not get the role they had their heart set on.  Despite them (and you) being convinced that they are BLATANTLY first choice for Jean Valjean or Elphaba, the casting panel may not agree.  And then you have to deal with the fall out when they actually get cast as "whore" or "munchkin number 2".  You have to be there for the disappointments as well as the successes.  And believe in them and make sure they believe in themselves.  It's a tough gig.  There will be tears.  Be there with the tissues and hugs.

4. Chauffeur

With all the to-ing and fro-ing you will spend a significant amount of time in the car taking your child to said rehearsals and shows, spending numerous hours sitting around waiting for them to finish rehearsals and shows, and having to organise your own life around your child's schedule.

5.  Marketing assistant

So, the show dates are confirmed - now we need to get bums on seats - get the crowds in to see your little darling perform.  So you need to spend several weeks nay months advertising your child's show.  Get the poster up on your Facebook profile.  Retweet it on Twitter.  Do a quick post on Instagram.  Bore all your friends stupid with *child's latest show* spam.  You never know, it might help sell a few more tickets.  Or it might make all your friends hate you.  It's a risk you need to take.

6. Sales Co-ordinator

If any of your friends still like you then they may want you to get tickets on their behalf  - so you have to organise who is going with whom, on what date, to which show (matinee or evening) and whether you need to get them full price, senior or child tickets.  And get them ordered.  It's not simple.  It's expensive. But it will be worth it.

7. Costume designer

Shortly before show week you may be asked to sort out some costume for your child to wear in the show.  Usually you won't get enough notice to order anything and end up having to frantically search Amazon Prime for anything you can get within one day.  If you do happen to have anything that vaguely fits the brief at home then it probably won't fit and you will need to make sure you have a supply of safety pins.   But don't worry, you'll learn to "cobble something together" that will do.  Charity shops are always good.

8. Make up artist

They all need make up.  Even the boys.  It's the stage lighting you see.  Get some in and learn to do it (confession: I still can't do it).

9. Dance teacher  

If you have a smaller child then it may be hard for them to remember the dance routines.  My 5 and 7 year old were recently in a show and struggled to remember.  The answer? Make sure you watch some rehearsals, learn the dances yourself and practice with them at home! It's fun! And who knows, you could end up being the next Darcy Bussell! Or not......

 
10. Accounts assistant

You'll need money.  Lots of money.  Subs, uniform, lessons, costumes, show tickets, fuel money, programmes, raffle tickets.  It's not cheap.  Never add it all up.

11. Caterer

Providing food for the various rehearsal times.  Making packed lunches, even on a Saturday.  Supplying lots of bottles of water.  And show week providing pretty much the whole of your child's dressing room with food.  Because you're nice.

12. Manager

Basically, your theatre kid needs you.  They need you to organise them.  And though you may get little thanks (which, let's face it, you will) IT IS ALL WORTH IT! When you see their happy little faces on the stage.  When you're the proudest parent IN THE WORLD after a show - "See that kid on the stage? I'm his/her mum!"  Totally worth it.

So yes.  Jack or Jill of all trades, multi tasker and glutton for punishment.  But above all, a proud parent of a fantastically talented kid and all round just BLOODY BRILLIANT.

Dedicated to all my theatre mum and dad friends x

REVIEW - HAIRSPRAY JR AT THE PYRAMID, WARRINGTON

My youngest two children are part of a children's theatre group in Warrington called Showkids UK.  Showkids is a group for 5 to 11 year olds ran by four talented and enthusiastic tutors (and it is the "junior" version of Warrington's well known youth theatre group Codys).  Last weekend it was time for them to perform the most recent show they have been rehearsing, Hairspray Jr.  There were two shows in the one day, quite a tiring challenge for this young cast?..but you know what kids are like...full of energy...and their enthusiasm was clear to see. 

If you don't know the story of Hairspray it's based in 1962 in Baltimore. It centres around Tracy Turnblad a dance-obsessed teen who watches "The Corny Collins Show" and is infatuated with Link, the star of the show. If you've seen the movie (which famously featured John Travolta as Tracy's mother Edna) you will know that the subject matter is actually very serious as it tackles racial segregation. Showkids' version was understandably toned down for the youngsters and focused instead on segregation of rich and poor kids. And it worked very well too.

The main roles were played wonderfully. The children had worked hard on their American accents and their characterisation. I am not going to go through every role but will just single out a couple... Tracy was played fantastically by Erin who has a beautiful voice and definitely has a bright future ahead. Max played Edna Turnblad and he did so brilliantly...he mastered walking (and dancing!) in heels and I could definitely see a nod to John Travolta in his performance! Jamie as Link did a great job in his first main role and Charlotte as Penny was a wonderful character, beautifully acted. Dan who played Corny Collins lit up every scene he was in. As did the two Wilburs (played by two Joes!). Special mention to Amy as Motormouth whose solo "I Know Where I've Been" was very moving and extremely well performed. (I may have had something in my eye....)...

All of the principals and ensemble did such a good job.  All in all I found Hairspray Jr to be an excellent show which featured some very talented up and coming performers!

But!  The show wasn't over! There was a final section where the Showkids sang a selection of songs from High School Musical, Moana, Jersey Boys, Madagascar the Musical and The Greatest Showman. (And there was even an onstage cameo by the tutors at the end - yay!).

You could tell that all the children absolutely loved doing the show and that was reflected in the fantastic audience reaction. Well done Showkids.