Musical Review: Flashdance The Musical - DeMontfort Hall, Leicester [Emz]

So at the end of March, I went to see this show at DeMontfort Hall in my hometown of Leicester.

The show stars Joanne Clifton (Strictly Come Dancing, Thoroughly Modern Millie) as Alex Owens and  Ben Adams (A1, Eugenius! The Musical) as Nick Hurley.

Obviously, I was more familiar with the 2 actors playing the lead roles but I didn't know any of the others.

I believe this version of the show was based more on the book than the 1983 film.

Here is a brief idea of the story from the website:

Dance like you’ve never danced before! FLASHDANCE-THE MUSICAL tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of 18 year old Alex, a welder by day and ‘flashdancer’ by night, who dreams of going to the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy and becoming a professional dancer. When a romance complicates her ambitions, she harnesses it to drive her dream.
Based on the Paramount Pictures film (Screenplay by Tom Hedley and Joe Eszterhas, story by Tom Hedley) Flashdance is an inspiring musical about the power of holding onto your dreams and love against all the odds.
Prepare to be blown away with an astonishing musical spectacle and phenomenal choreography to this iconic score including the smash hit Maniac, Manhunt, Gloria, I Love Rock & Roll and the sensational title track Flashdance - What a Feeling.
Produced by the award winning team at Selladoor Productions - producers of Footloose, Avenue Q and Little Shop of Horrors, FLASHDANCE-THE MUSICAL is not to be missed!

Review:

I extremely enjoyed this show. At times it did feel like the story was moving a little too quickly but with the time they had for the show, it didn't really cause any problems. 

The singing was excellent and so was the dancing. IT was clear that so much was put into the routines. Along wit Jonanne riding a bike across the stage, I would be terrified I was going to fall off stage (knowing me I would)

Joanne Clifton as Alex Owens was fantastic and her American accent for the Character was really good, I wouldn't have noticed she was English if I didn't know. All the dancing she has to do is really good, it's quite different from what I am used to seeing her do on Strictly as this is a bit more Pop, but it flowed so well,, she is a brilliant singer as well. I look forward to seeing her in more productions in the future (fingers crossed)

Ben Adams was also brilliant as Nick Hurley, I have always been a fan of A1. I found out a lot later after I bought the tickets that he was playing the other lead role of Nick. the last time I saw Ben live was when he opened for Steps at DeMontfort Hall in 1997/8? with A1 (I was about 7 years old! blimey!)

Ben was really good at acting, I knew he could sing but the chemistry with Joanne was very strong. I hope to see his show Eugenius! at the West end eventually.

The rest of the cast were also just as good, the actress playing Hannah, was really good as was kind of a mother figure to Alex's character along with the character Louise who was Hannah's carer.

It was great to hear the familiar songs Maniac and What a Feeling.

If I had the chance I would happily see it again. If it comes to a town near you I would recommend it.

Till next time

Emz x

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Musical Review: Sunset Boulevard The Musical - Curve Theatre, Leicester [Emz]

I recently went to see this production at the Curve Theatre, Leicester. I am from Leicester so luckily over the last few year we have had quite number of brilliant shows that are touring from the West End like for example Sister Act, Miss Saigon and Bodyguard The Musical (De Monfort Hall, Leicester.) 

I wasn't very familiar with the majority of the cast or the storyline but I knew that Danny Mac was playing one of the lead roles.

The music for the show was composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Here is a brief idea of the storyline from the website:

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award®-winning masterpiece Sunset Boulevard, stars Ria Jones, who received standing ovations every night when performing the role at the London Coliseum, as Norma Desmond and Strictly Come Dancing's Danny Mac as Joe Gillis. Sunset Boulevard is a compelling story of romance and obsession, based on Billy Wilder’s legendary film, with Don Black and Christopher Hampton's wonderful book and lyrics.
In her mansion on Sunset Boulevard, faded, silent-screen goddess, Norma Desmond, lives in a fantasy world. Impoverished screen writer, Joe Gillis, on the run from debt collectors, stumbles into her reclusive world. Persuaded to work on a script that she believes will put her back in front of the cameras, he is seduced by her life-style. Joe becomes entrapped in a claustrophobic world until his love for another woman leads him to break free with dramatic consequences.

Review:

I really enjoyed the show. as I previously stated I didn't know what to expect from the story as I had never really heard of it before, but I was interested in seeing it when I first saw it advertised. 

So the show is set in the 1940's/50's and Danny Mac's character of Joe Gillis a script writer at Paramount Pictures, who is down on his luck and in a lot of debt. In a bit to escape the people who want to take away his car, he dives off and ends up in someone's garage. This someone is Norma Desmond portrayed by Ria Jones.

I thoroughly enjoyed Ria Jones' performance as Norma. The various different emotions she has to portray at once and also they way she believes she is still a huge Hollywood star and that if she goes back into acting she will bring back the Silent Movie era. 

Joe starts working on her script that she has and ends up becoming much more to Norma. We see in the second half a shift in his emotion that lead him away from Norma and finally resulting in his death.

The show never stopped (apart from the interval) and Danny Mac hardly left the stage. This was a brilliant production and it is now off touring around the UK. I would recommend catching if you can.

Thats all for now. This was my first review of a musical so I hope you liked it.

If you have seen any other production of this show in the past or are planning on seeing this show feel free to leave me a comment on your thoughts below.

Till next time

Emz x

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Footloose The Musical 2017 tour (Zee Tay)

Last Wensday I went to see Footloose at the Lyceum here in Sheffield. It an amazing story aboutr a town who banned dancing. (I know stupid right) this is based on a true story. It follows the story of Ren who just moved into town with his mum, and him trying to get back the joy and fun dancing.

Now, I know this sounds crazy but I want in not knowing anything about the show. So after hearing some classic songs especially the ones that I grown up just loving, like footloose, I can't stand still, holding out for a hero, and let's here it for the boys.

Joshua Dowan  plays the lead of Ten McCormack and he is one of the reason what make me want to go to the theatre and why I love seeing musicals live on stage. His presence on stage was amazing, as you can feel every word that he spoke and sang. There was time that I thought I was in the town of Bomont.

Dominic Gee Burch played Willard who would of played by Gareth Gates. I am grateful that it was Dominic instead. As I personally think he a better singer then he, and he was amazing portraying the awkwardness and shyness of Willard.

Gracie Lai plays the Flirty and popular character of Urleen. She was outstanding, I truly loved watching her on stage. She brings beauty, with her stunning looks, and her great personality on and off stage.

I wish I could write for all the cast but then I be here all day. So overall I give the show a full 5 out 5 stars.

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