Priscilla Queen Of The Desert (UK Tour)

Priscilla Queen Of The Desert (UK Tour)

New Theatre, Oxford

–Gifted–

Reviewed by Jade Prince

Tuesday 24th August 2021

★★★★

Theatre is back! I am late saying those words because I haven’t had the chance to get to the theatre since everything started opening back up and it feels marvellous. 

What was even more marvellous was having Priscilla Queen of the Desert being the show to come back to! It was such a great show filled with everything camp, bright, colourful, sparkly and accompanied with complete bops (yes, I have just said bops!)

Based on the 1994 movie with the same name, Priscilla Queen of the Desert drops you in the heart of the Australian outback where Priscilla carries Tick, Adam and Bernadette in style to Alice Springs where they are set to perform. The journey is filled with several surprises, new relationships, and small towns where the flamboyant drag lifestyle isn’t welcomed with open arms. 

I have to say the script was my favourite part. It was so quick-witted that I found myself still laughing at the joke just delivered and missed the next one being fired! I always appreciate intelligent humour. So often can shows pack in crude joke after crude joke causing the audience to think ‘here we go again’ but this script was very different. There were the crude jokes and many innuendos but there was also a large number of really clever one liners that caught me off guard. Obviously with humour the delivery is paramount and this cast definitely delivers the humour. 

The choreography began to get a little repetitive but this was forgiven with the amount of energy the cast put into it. There were a couple of costumes that caught my eye but not always in the good way. I love drag and all of the glitz and glamour associated with the wardrobe so my eyes were very much analysing every piece on stage. There were a few numbers where, to me, the costumes detracted from the choreography and looked bulky not allowing for fluid movements. Within the cast there was a great diversity of body types which in my opinion you don’t get to see as often on stage especially for female cast members so that was incredibly refreshing. With this I feel as if the wardrobe department neglected some of the costumes with focus on the trench coats that made appearances several times during the show. It didn’t appear they were all tailored to the individual bodies leaving some cast members looking a little drowned in the coats. 

However, apart from that little nag there literally wasn’t anything else to fault. It was such a fabulous night out and one that I would highly recommend for people who have missed the theatre and are a little apprehensive about going back. The whole auditorium was filled with such energy that it was very easy to forget what this past year and a half has entailed. There is no way you can sit there and not feel happy with the songs that flood the theatre. The story does take some dark turns but I loved the fact that as soon as the opening bars of the next number were heard, a subtle murmur through the auditorium started with the realisation that although the scene was sad, the music irony wasn’t going to let it stay there. 

I think at the moment this is something we all need as well as delivering the message that every show is echoing: I will survive. If that isn’t the message we all need at the moment then I have no idea what we need. 

Priscilla Queen of the Desert will be at New Theatre Oxford until 28th August 2021 before continuing with its UK Tour. 

Information and tickets for New Theatre Oxford can be found here.

Information, venue and tickets for the rest of the tour can be found here. 

Stay safe, wear a mask and enjoy the theatre! 

Fame (UK tour) – REVIEW

Fame

New Theatre, Cardiff

 

Seen September 29th, 2018

Reviewed by Jade Prince

★★★★

To start off, I actually really enjoyed this show! This type of show isn’t normally my favourite however it managed to win me over!

We all know the 1980s film, Fame. It’s a classic. If you haven’t seen it, where have you been?! Fame follows the development of students enrolled on a four-year programme at The High School Of Performing Arts in New York City. The highs and incredible lows of the performing industry and the agony which is trying to crack it. The show itself pretty much covers every topic imaginable: young love, self-discovery, ambitions, drugs and acceptance.

The overall performance was great! It was well put together and clean-cut, this is something which has to happen in a show heavily based around dance. The choreography was classic but sharp. Nick Winston did a fab job! It always make me beam when the choreography is neat. Everyone was on time and giving 100%. I have seen too many dance shows recently where this was not the case. Super job!

We need a real moment of appreciation for the set, please. It was very simple but did everything it needed to do whilst giving the personal touch. Not just the generic, run of the mill for Fame. Specifically crafted for this cast. The year book photos were brilliant. All in-keeping with the 80s (I wouldn’t expect anything else!). Although there were a couple of point during the show were I found myself attempting to figure out who was who, especially as I couldn’t read the names under each photo. They were great to look at during the interval.

The cast was great, top marks across the board. Singing and dancing is never easy but they were able to make it look like a walk in the park! I am going to have to give a shout out to Stephanie Rojas (Carmen) who, vocally, killed it! There were several places where she stole the show but very graciously gave it back to the others to shine as a whole.

I would say this is a feel good show, I mean, it is although it does take a dark turn. Only briefly. A beautiful way to depict the fall in that industry. You want to start the game fast, you’ll burn much faster. The music definitely gives it this feel good vibe and will leave you humming the iconic ‘Fame!’ as you leave.

Fame is still traveling the UK before taking up residence in London’s Peacock Theatre for a short run lasting a little over a month next September.

For more information of the remaining tour venues and tickets, head to http://fameuktour.co.uk/tour-dates

 

Chit-Chat and Tea: Knights of the Rose

I greet thee!

In celebration on Knights of the Rose officially opening tonight, here is a little exclusive!

Who got to have a quick chat with Rebekah Lowings (Isabel) and Katie Birtill (Hannah) at the press call a couple of weeks ago! The night was so much fun! It was at a medieval banquet! We had some great bellytimber! (<– its an actual medieval word!) I got some great footage which I am in the process of editing so that will be uploaded as soon as its finished!

To start with, we had to ask the basic – Why should be come and see the show?

Katie: It’s so passionate, we have got some fantastic rock songs. It’s a tale of love and betrayal and sacrifice and its really got a lot of heart and soul as well as being a wonderful night of rock entertainment.

Rebekah: It is just sheer passion. It is just so incredible to be on stage with so many people who feel passion and love for the rock music and for the scripture. I mean Jenny (Jennifer Marsden) is absolutely incredible, she’s written this beautiful piece.

Katie: Really luscious language.

Rebekah: The language is ‘Game of Thrones”, very sort of ‘A Knight’s Tale’, Bon Jovi. It’s just like any girls dream to be a princess…but we get to sing rock songs *laughter* It’s absolutely incredible!

You guys performed both days this year at West End LIVE, how was that crowd?

 

Katie: Uh-mazing!

Rebekah: Electric!

Katie: Electric! As soon as we came out, the crowd was absolutely on our side and it was so fantastic because we were showing something new and everyone was really supportive. It seemed it all went down really well which was really exciting. I mean, just going out there for our first ever performance of any of our work was in front of thousands of people!

And then the interview was cut short as a knight and jester approached! More on that aspect will be revealed in our upcoming video!

Gramercy m’ladies for taking the time to speak with Ginger in the Theatre and all the best for press night! See you there!

More information about the show and tickets can be found at http://knightsoftherose.co.uk

Farewell, peasants!

Evita – REVIEW

Evita

Phoenix Theatre, London

 

Seen October 4th, 2017

Reviewed by Jade Prince

★★★

Those who have read my recent reviews will know that I have seen the shows at the later stages of their runs and this one is no different. Evita only has another week left in the West End but that does not mean you should forget about seeing it!

The iconic story of the rise of Eva Peron and how she became Argentina. From a middle class family, she worked her way up the ranks by winning the hearts of the people of Argentina. A touching true story told with music by the one and only Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice.

It was nice to be able to see the show again as the last time I had seen it was back in 2014 on its UK tour. I personally did not notice any drastic changes to the set or staging but then again, why change something if it is working well? They have managed to condense the set down in order to work with the smaller size of the Phoenix theatre however it is most certainly better suited on a larger stage. This helps to add to the grandeur in a handful of numbers.

The show itself was very enjoyable however really lacked the “wow” factor. I am not too sure whether this is because I have seen the show before (a very long time ago) or what it was but the spark was not there. The cast were very strong together however there were a few little things that I could not help but notice. The first being the lack of accents. Or should I say the amount of different accents they attempted to include. There was no set accent and at one point between Eva and Che in act one I thought it was about to move into Sweeney Todd! It is set in Argentina!

Another point which disappointed me was the fact that the child actor was, very noticeably, miming during “Santa Evita”. I found this a shame as there are some many talented kids in the west end. She was incredibly cute though and melted hearts so in a way that compensated.

Despite these two little down falls there were two things that stood out. Che (Gian Marco Schiaretti) was sensational. I could not take my eyes off of him for the whole show and vocally he was outstanding.

The other stand out moment happened where I least expected it – “Another Suitcase in Another Hall”. This is by far my favourite song of the whole show so ultimately I have high expectations and in my opinion the best performance was by Samantha Barks on ‘Andrew Lloyd Webber – 40 musical years’. Well, I was slightly wrong! Sarah O’Connor (Mistress) smashed it. Her vocals and acting were on point throughout and I was captivated. This was probably my favourite moment of the whole show.

Evita is a beautiful show which is well established. Each time you see it you know exactly what to expect and this version is no exception. It only has another week left at the Phoenix Theatre so be sure to get a ticket. Must end October 14^th. Tickets and more information: http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/evita/phoenix-theatre/

Whisper House – REVIEW

Whisper House

The Other Palace, London

 

Seen on May 22nd, 2017

Reviewed by Jade Prince

★★★

From the creators of Spring Awakening, Whisper House is set in a lighthouse during World War 2. Christopher discovers something strange when he moves to live with his aunt after his father’s death and mother’s hospitalisation. The mysterious music and whispers have grown more prominent and Christopher knows something must be done.

The rock musical contains an awesome score with catchy tunes that will be stuck in your head and you’ll subconsciously be singing “better to be dead” as you leave.

Alongside this brilliant rock score the actual story line seemed a little lost. It was difficult to see how certain elements of the story were relevant. I feel that this was compensated for through the music and the cast stage presence. There was always something to look at whether that was the actions of the ghosts or the small illusions performed.

Niamh Perry and Simon Bailey stole the show as the two “ghosts” skulking around the stage. Both voices worked wonderfully together creating beautifully eerie presence. These ghosts are said to be seeking revenge and Niamh’s whimsical voice definitely hints at her character’s sinister side. This is helped by her costume (simple, long silk dress) and chilling glares.

A very simple set was used effectively and had different layers working down to the pit of the stage giving the illusion of the height of the lighthouse. Other elements worked very well in creating the feeling of being in New England during World War 2, such as worn and mismatched chairs and wooden floorboards covering the stage.

I personally really enjoyed the use of projection onto the back wall of the set. One of the projections that really stood out was the stair well and how well the actors were timed with the movement of the stairs themselves.

Overall this was an enjoyable show to watch and very captivating. It was very in keeping with The Other Palace’s theme of hosting quirky new productions.

Whisper House is currently at The Other Palace until May 27th. Tickets available at https://www.theotherpalace.co.uk/whats-on/whisper-house

Samantha Barks featuring special guest Kerry Ellis – REVIEW

Samantha Barks featuring special guest Kerry Ellis

Southampton Mayflower Theatre

 

Seen on May 20th, 2017

Reviewed by Jade Prince

★★★★

A one-off gig in the beautiful Mayflower Theatre featuring songs from Samantha Barks’s rapidly growing repertoire including musical favourites “On My Own” and “As Long As He Needs Me” alongside some of her own material, “Troublemaker”. As well as nostalgic vibes from her 2016 album tour, Samantha was joined by the talented Kerry Ellis.

With no doubt the highlight of the night was the greatly anticipated duet “For Good” from Wicked. Kerry reprised her role of Elphaba while Samantha took up the role of Glinda. Such a great pairing for the song which left the audience buzzing.

Samantha finished act one with a stripped down acoustic version of Katy Perry’s “The One That Got Away”. She didn’t just sing the song, she performed it. It was obvious she was feeling every single lyric through out the song.

A few songs into the second act, Samantha introduced Kerry who started with “Finding Wonderland” from the musical Wonderland (currently touring the U.K.) Following this, Kerry did a throw back to her We Will Rock You days with “Somebody To Love” and encouraged audience participation.

Samantha also threw in a few songs with a modern twist such as a jazzed up version of “As Long As He Needs Me” and the ultimate Disney heartbreak tune, “When She He Loved Me”

The whole night had a very relaxed vibe with certain numbers bringing a hush to the whole audience. It was great to see Samantha enjoying herself at home on stage and she proved that she is a huge fangirl at heart!

Be sure to keep an eye out for any other solo gigs Samantha does in the future through her website http://www.samanthabarks.co.uk and her official twitter @samanthabarks