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...

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.

Come So Far

So... another week in the life of a theatre mum...

This week was another fairly busy one...we started with the eldest's usual Monday night singing lesson ...he has the BEST singing teacher...he started lessons with Claire a couple of years ago now. He was around 13 and his voice was just breaking...J he went to her at just the right time.  He loves his singing lessons, he has gone from strength to strength and we have seen his singing confidence grow and his range and technique come on amazingly...the progress he has made is incredible. I can't recommend Claire more highly.

Every six months she puts on "showcases" for her students where they have a chance to perform  what they have been working on in lessons in a relaxed atmosphere, where everyone is supportive. 

For some people it's the first time they have ever stood up and sang solo in front of people and to be honest I think they are all incredible just to do that! The best I have ever managed is dodgy karaoke after a few too many cocktails...

On Thursday night it was J's showcase and he sang Someone To Fall Back On by Jason Robert Brown and This World Will Remember Me from the musical "Bonnie & Clyde" (which I LOVE!).

We had a lovely evening watching the other talented students - they were all so TALENTED!! J was the last to perform and it's safe to say he nailed it. What a fabulous evening.

Then this weekend it was my two smaller kids' turn. They go to a theatre group in Warrington called Showkids UK, which is for children age 5 to 11.  For the last 7 months they have been working on a production of Hairspray Jr.  I will write a separate review of the show, so no spoilers, except to say that Warrington is a lucky town to have so many up and coming young musical theatre performers, waiting in the wings!  My two are (I think) the youngest boy and girl who go along and I was worried about them doing two shows in one day on Saturday from a tiredness point of view - especially after extra rehearsals on Thursday and Friday in the ridiculous heat of the recent heatwave.  However, kids being kids, they seemed to find the energy from somewhere and just nailed their performances. Super proud showbiz mum.

Showkids has given my shy 7 year old and drama queen 5 year old somewhere to go each week to have fun, make friends, act, sing and dance with a great group of super talented tutors (CJ's favourite people in the world!).  If your child loves singing and dancing then Showkids is a great way for them to spend their time each Sunday.

So....the next few weeks are relatively quiet in comparison!! It's holiday season after all...time to relax, calm down and brace ourselves for a busy September.

Be back soon!

www.clairecannonvoice.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/SHOWkidsUK/

Non Stop

It's been a busy week at Greatest Showblog HQ.....

Yes, we've had a SHOW WEEK!!!

You know, that week where you live on toast and get no sleep.....

My eldest son was appearing in a play, which meant rehearsals, dress rehearsals, sorting costumes, lifts to places, tickets, marketing the show (like a good showbiz mum), and finally watching both shows in two successive nights and being emotionally wrung out by the end of it...and just about the proudest parent EVER!!!!

On top of this, it was the end of the school term, so there was arranging presents for teachers, attending assemblies, desperately trying to make the school uniform stay in one piece for just a day or two more....(it didn't, really)....

As well as this, my 5yo daughter had a casting for a TV ad - HOW EXCITING! I signed her up with an agency a couple of years ago (mostly because everybody told me her hair was so amazing that I just HAD TO!) and she finally got a casting! We got to go to Leeds (near the Emmerdale set, no less) (not that I actually have time to watch Emmerdale) and she did a little audition.  I am not expecting her to get it, as it was her first time but still it was fun for her and an afternoon out for me!

Then on Saturday night just the little matter of attending a WORLD PREMIERE for a new musical.  You know, as you do.....

And as well as all of the above we had the normal lessons and...oh yes, I went to my day job.....!

It's been NON STOP!

I will write reviews for the aforementioned shows a little later on this week - so no spoilers...you'll have to come back later!

Anyway, a busy one and next week we've got....oh yes...ANOTHER SHOW WEEK!!!

Watch this space!

Something's Coming

Right here goes....I have decided to launch another blog! This one is going to be all things theatre!

My eldest son is big on performing arts and I rabbit on about it on my family/parenting/lifestyle blog https://taleof5littleducks.blogspot.com/ quite a lot. 

(And you may have noticed that a lot of my blog posts have titles pertaining to show tunes yes?)

My two youngest children have also now caught the bug and so I find I am spending an increasing amount of time at rehearsals, talking about rehearsals, planning shows, helping at shows, sorting costumes, and well, watching shows!

I thought that as I am now firmly entrenched in this world and I like writing little blog posts from time to time that I would launch another blog focussing on this world!

The aim is to cover life as a theatre mum, but also to include reviews of shows I have been to see  - and I see quite a lot.....and I am not at all using this as an excuse to see even more!!

Well, maybe just a bit...

I have some great shows lined up over the next few weeks and I am very excited to see them and review them and share them with you.

As well as keep you updated with what my kids are up to!

Watch this space!