'Summer in Southside' - Birmingham Hippodrome

Birmingham Southside comes alive this Summer with two weekends of spectacular performances presented by Birmingham Hippodrome. Full of inspiring dance, jaw dropping circus and amazing artistry these contemporary performances are appealing to audiences of all ages and are completely FREE. 

This weekend I was lucky enough to pop down to Southside on what was a beautiful Sunny Saturday and catch some of the acts that starred performers from Trinidad, Switzerland, Asia and the Caribbean to name but a few and let me tell you they really were 'World Class'!  

It was great to see so many different ages and cultures embracing the event and some people even became participants of the acts too. 'Summer in Southside was extremely well organised by Birmingham Hippodrome staff and volunteers who were on hand to ensure the smooth running of the afternoon. The event brochures were particularly handy to give a short biography of the acts and an indication of the programme of the afternoons events. I particularly liked the free Southside stickers!

Below are some quick snapshots I managed to take during the afternoon of and if you want to catch  more fantastic outdoor performances, Summer in Southside stars again Bank Holiday weekend Saturday 24th - Sunday 25th August.

Birmingham Hippodrome would love to see your pictures and videos of these events so don't forget to tag them in your Facebook, Twitter and Instagram photos using the Hashtag #BHoutdoors 

Con Tatto - Da Motus

Eight Swiss Dancers creating Dynamic Shapes and interacting with architecture in Southside. Everything became woven into this extraordinary display - including spectators. I particularly loved the unusual shaping and colourful costumes that were extremely bold and eyecatching. A most intriguing performance!

Falling Up - Mimbre

A powerful piece involving four 'superhumanly' strong women who refuse to conform to stereotypes. Jawdropping acrobatics and physical fitness! A Must See!!

Other performances that starred in Southside included: 

Joli Vyann - Don't Drink & Dance/ H2H

Marc Brew Company - Nocturne

Kuljit Bhamra - Chutney

C12 Dance Theatre - Trolleys

Don't miss more Summer performances in Southside from 24th-25th August 1-7pm.

Visit www.birminghamhippodrome.com or www.summerinsouthside.com for more details.

Summer in Southside FREE Entertainment in Birmingham this August!

SUMMER IN SOUTHSIDE 

1 Area of Birmingham, 2 Weekends of outdoor entertainment,

 FREE for everyone! 

Hi everyone - sorry for the lack of Theatre tweeting and blogging over the last few weeks - have been inundated with lots of Performances, Choreography Projects besides setting up my own dancing school 'Linzi G School of Dance.'

Less about me and more about some exciting performances coming this Summer in Birmingham! Following Birmingham Hippodromes' successful Six Summer Saturdays outdoor programme last year, for August 2013 they are presenting two jam packed weekends of spectacular outdoor performance in the heart of the Southside area of Birmingham. This FREE event will 

provide visitors with the chance to experience inspiring dance, spectacular physical theatre, awe-inspiring circus, amazing puppetry, as well as many more artistic acts.

Paul Kaynes, Director of Creative Programmes at Birmingham Hippodrome said:

“For the last three summers we have brought unusual outdoor performances across the city enjoyed by thousands of people. This year we are delighted to be producing two big weekends of free performances especially for visitors to Southside.  Whether shopping, eating or theatre going people will not be able to miss some of the best outdoor theatre in the country.”  

Iron Man - Graeae

SUMMER IN SOUTHSIDE features performances from the jaw dropping Nofit State Circus; Warwickshire based Motionhouse with a nail-biting blend of emotional and extraordinary dance and aerial work; a fully animated 20 foot Iron Man bringing puppetry, and live music for kids and adults alike; Sign Spinning all the way from Hollywood, a strolling street band hailing from the Indian community in Trinidad plus a host of wonderful surprises in unusual settings! 

MotionHouse Captive

The free SUMMER IN SOUTHSIDE performances will take place on Hippodrome Square, Arcadian, Inge Street, and Hurst St so all within a three minute walk of each other leaving time for alfresco dining and a spot of retail therapy.

Performances on both weekends run from 12noon - 7pm and you can check out the full programme of events from Birmingham Hippodrome Website.

I hope to be tweeting live from and visiting these spectacular performances over the Summer so don't miss your chance to experience Birmingham Southside as you've never seen it before!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Wednesday 19th June 7:30pm 
Stalls: B24-B25

Just when you thought the west end couldn't get any better...along comes Charlie and The Chocolate Factory at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The theatre that was once home to Shrek the Musical has now been transferred from the former swamp to the delights of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Emporium.

This musical adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic has caused an excited buzz online with many teasers and trailers, and I must admit upon entering the auditorium my excitement for this production was like a 'kid in a sweet shop!' Among the full house were many other school parties and families eagerly waiting with their golden tickets ready to view this theatrical spectacle.

This production is still in its preview stages and therefore not received any critical acclaim so I will try not to spoil too much on this review. However from start to finish this production is a delight! 

As the musical starts we enter a grey and dreary 'junk yard' with Charlie Bucket (at this performance Tom Klenerman) scouring for 'Almost Nearly Perfect' pieces of treasure. Unlike other musicals, this opening number is no ensemble clad toe tapper - it is simple and enchanting and no showy affair. Swiftly moving into the home of the Bucket family we are introduced into a lovely set containing the infamous double bed shared by Charlie's four grandparents - Grandpa Jo and Josephine (Nigel Planer and Roni Page) and Grandpa George and Georgina (Billy Boyle and Myra Sands). The four grandparents are humorous and share some lovely scenes particularly in the first half with Charlie and Mr and Mrs Bucket (Jack Shalloo and Alex Clatworthy).

However the real action begins as we are introduced to the other four golden ticket winners. Each of the child actors alternate in the leading roles and at this performance we had the pleasure of seeing: Augustus Gloop (Harrison Slater), Veruca Salt (Ellie Simons), Violet Beauragade (Mya Olaye) and Mike Teavee (Luca Toomey). As each of the characters appear on a gigantic television screen there are some great comedy numbers - my favourites being 'When Veruca Says' with some brilliant ballet performed by Simons and 'The Double Bubble Duchess' with a fantastic rap and musical performance by Olaye supported by Paul J Medford as Mr Beauragade. 

On entrance to the chocolate factory we are introduced to Douglas Hodge who stars as the incredible Mr Willy Wonka. An acclaimed Olivier-nominated Actor and Director this part is made for Mr Hodge and he gives a sparkling performance in the leading role. Unlike those before him who have played the iconic character, Hodge is no Gene Wilder or Johnny Depp and effectively puts his own spin on the

eccentric chocolatier.

 He is joined by the ensemble who star as the Oompa lumpas and for me the hilarious performances really steal the show. Using puppetry and illusions the Oompa Lumpas are brought to life with some extremely clever choreography (Peter Darling) and costumes (Mark Thompson) that make the performers appear as half their original size and comical as the 'Mini men.'

As you would expect from the original book and film all of Willy Wonka's inventions are extraordinarily brought to life by Director Sam Mendes and this production is really too good to be true. Before your eyes, Mike Teevee is shrunken to polly pocket size, Violet Beauregade turns into a giant Blueberry and Augustus Gloop is sucked into the Chocolate pipe! You really have to see it to believe it!

Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman have created a contemporary original musical score and David Greig has provided an excellent script that transforms the original page to stage. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory really is the hottest golden ticket in town and I predict will be a Smash Hit for the West End. A thoroughly enjoyable theatrical production that I could watch again and again!

Ghost the Musical UK Tour

Ghost the Musical UK Tour
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
Saturday 8th June 2013
Dress Circle B39

GHOST the musical arrived at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre last week for the Midlands Premiere for this innovative and exciting 2013 touring production. Based on the film of the same name, the 1990 movie GHOST starred Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg in the principal roles of this timeless and enchanting love story. Walking back to their Brooklyn apartment one night, lovers Sam and Molly (Swayze and Moore) are mugged, leaving Sam brutally murdered in a dark alley. Sam finds himself trapped as a ghost between the human and spirit world and through the aid of psychic, Oda Mae Brown (Goldberg), Sam tries to save and protect Molly in the hope of solving the plot of his own murder. 

Swayze and Moore in the original movie

GHOST the musical started its life at The Manchester Opera House in 2011 before transferring to London's West End for a short lived run of just over 500 performances, closing October 2012. It then transferred to Broadway taking across the pond principals Caissie Levy and Richard Fleeshman to reprise their roles as Molly and Sam. After seeing the London production in December 2011 I fell in love with the soundtrack and beautiful adaptation of the iconic film and I was sceptical how this extremely technical show would transfer for the road. I was however in no aspect disappointed with this production - which I would go as far to say is the best touring show I have seen this year!

Levy and Fleeshman in the West End Production

Adapted for the stage by Bruce Joel Rubin, GHOST is directed by Matthew Warchus with Christopher Nightingale as Music Supervisor and Arranger, and Choreography by Ashley Wallen. For me Wallen's innovative choreography keeps the production very current and with fusions of jazz, street and contemporary musical theatre movement brings the iconic story into the 21st century. This production is extremely technical with phenomenal lighting and sound effects by Hugh Vanstone and Bobby Aitken. However applause must be given to the 'Out of this World' theatrical illusions by Paul Kieve allowing Sam Wheat to walk through doors amongst other ghostly goings on! You have to see it to believe it!

Clarke and Trehearn in the UK Tour

Leading this fantastic company are Rebecca Trehearn and Stewart Clarke in the roles of Molly and Sam. Both actors complement each other beautifully and Trehearn's raw, emotional portrayal of 'With You' is breathtakingly stunning. After covering the role of Molly in the West End production Trehearn gives no understudy performance and puts her own spin on the role. Clarke is a strong leading man and presents Sam's heartbreak, anguish and anger perfectly. He is very well matched alongside David Roberts villainous portrayl of Carl who excelled as the slimy banker.

Wendy Mae Brown as Oda Mae Brown and Company

However the star of this show is Wendy Mae Brown in the role of Oda Mae. Her vocals and comic timing are second to none and she provides the audience with much needed humorous outbursts amongst the heart wrenching plot. Her outfits and wigs are flamboyant and garish and Brown's personality is as colourful as her costumes. Standout production numbers 'I'm outta here', 'Rain/Hold on' and 'More' alongside the old faithful 'Unchained Medley' prove GHOST to be a hit with audience members young and old. 

This production is simply stunning....don't miss this weeks ghostly goings on at the Grand before it ventures on to haunt other UK Theatres. At the Wolverhampton Grand til June 15th.

PWC Supporting First Night Bloggers

Hi everyone...been a bit quiet on the blogging front recently as I've been super busy completing my B.A Hons Dance Degree but will be back blogging over the next couple of weeks. Look out for posts on: 

Ghost The Musical (Wolverhampton Grand)

Wagner Dream (Birmingham Hippodrome)

  Les Miserables (Queens Theatre) 

and the highly anticipated Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Theatre Royal Drury Lane).

Also wanted to share with you with this photo recently taken at Birmingham Hippodrome of the first shot of all The First Night Bloggers supported by PWC (PriceWaterhouseCoopers). It is really exciting to be part of the Hippodrome's new team of Bloggers and I am very much looking forward to the next year of theatre tweeting, blogging and visiting.

From L-R. Heather Jenkins, Tal Fox, PWC's Mark Smith, Aemelia Taylor, 

Chris Green, (Me) and Ben Handforth.

Please click the above names to link to the First Night Bloggers individual pages.

FIRST NIGHT is a ticket discount scheme for young people aged 16-23 years offering members the chance to see some of the best shows in the Midlands including world-class ballet and opera, West End musicals, international dance, drama and the world’s biggest Pantomime.

Devised as a follow-up to the Arts Council’s ‘A NIGHT LESS ORDINARY’ scheme in which the Hippodrome participated, FIRST NIGHT started in 2011 and now has over 900 active members.  Most of these young people from Birmingham and the surrounding areas have experienced their first visit to a theatre through these schemes, and many have gone on to book further tickets at the Hippodrome and elsewhere.  

Sutra - Dance Consortium

Dance Consortium presents SUTRA - A Sadlers's Wells Production

Birmingham Hippodrome - Tuesday 7th May 2013

Click here to see the SUTRA Trailer

Sutra is a Sadler's Wells Production derived in 2007/8, designed and directed by Anthony Gormley and Choreographed by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. Sutra has since played to audiences of over 165,000 in 60 cities and 28 countries worldwide; and is a unique production starring 17 practicing Monks aged between 10-26, from the Shaolin Temple in China. The spiritual, mental and physical perfection of the Shaolin Martial Arts danced to Composer's Syzamon Brzoska's contemporary score produces some exhilarating choreographic moments.

The set consists of 21 life size wooden boxes, and these are an integral part of the Sutra action. It is as if the cast are playing with giant Lego bricks, turning the boxes into a fortress, flowerbed, Temple, boat and larger than life domino pieces. This dance production is extremely athletic, and the cast perform in such perfect unison it is easy to forget you are watching this art in a live performance space. In moments where the Monk's tower above the audience, each one stood on top of the wooden boxes, the audience gasp at some of the gravity defying stunts.

The production lasts for 1hr 10 minutes and for the whole of the performance the audience were enthralled by the pure skill and craftmanship displayed by the team of performers. There were some lighthearted comedic moments but the production on the whole was very intense, and I for one was on the edge of my seat! Sutra is a very innovative production and pushes the boundaries of live theatrical art. 

Sutra runs at Birmingham Hippodrome until Wednesday 8th May before continuing on its UK Tour.

For more tour details click HERE.

London Weekend

This weekend I had the pleasure of visiting London's West End for my 21st Birthday and got to see three shows - Billy Elliot, Wicked and Matilda. Having seen all of these shows multiple times, this is just a picture blog of what we got up to and cast comments and seat reviews.

Billy Elliot

Victoria Palace Theatre - 4th May 2013 - 2.30pm

Seats: Stalls B5-6

This was the third time I had seen Billy Elliot and I definitely don't think it will be the last. This show has stood the test of time in London's West End, and this beautiful Theatre now stands alone among the major refurbishment of London Victoria. At this performance we had a full cast and Tade Biesinger excelled in the role of Billy. Tade had also played the role of Billy on Broadway and he really lived and breathed the part and seemed to thoroughly enjoy every minute onstage. Our restricted stalls seats were good value for money and the only downside of sitting so close was being unable to see the fantastic footwork displayed by the cast. Great performances came from Gillian Bevan (Mrs Wilkinson), Deka Walmsley (Dad) and Simon Ray Harvey (Mr Braithwaite) The ensemble choreography is stunning and the ballet girls at this performances had fantastic energy. Billy is well worthy of his recent BBC 2 Audience Award at the Olivier's 2013.

Wicked

Apollo Victoria Theatre - 4th May 2013 - 7.30pm
Seats: Stalls C

Everyone who knows me, knows I am a Wicked fanatic and this was my 12th visit to the Apollo Victoria. On most occasions we sit in the 'Restricted Stalls' seats found on the end of the aisles and in fact they are really no more restricted than the £65 seats next door! I was really hoping that for this performance Louise Dearman would be on as Elphaba as was disappointed that we had gone previously and she was off ill. (Standby Elphie Hayley Gallivan was a superb replacement and the disappointment soon disappeared.) I was thrilled that Louise Dearman was on for this performance and she really excelled in the part and I am still unable to decide whether I prefer her portrayal of Elphie or Glinda the best. Lucy Van Gasse was beautiful as Glinda in the absence of Miss Gina Beck and her characterization of the role was very fresh and 'Blonde.' One thing I really like about the Apollo Victoria is that in the absence of a major principal, standby photograph sheets are included in the programme and I think this is a really nice touch.

The view from our seats

On our return back to our hotel (The Reuben's at the Palace) we were 'thrillified' to find that our room had been turned down with a 'Wicked' Theme and we had been left some 'Oztastic' cupcakes to enjoy after the show! Yummy!

Matilda The Musical
Cambridge Theatre - 5th May 2013 - 3.00pm
Seats: Upper Circle G17-18

After a lovely full english breakfast we set off to Covent Garden for shopping and to see the matinee performance of Matilda the Musical. I have seen this show now three times and have previously blogged about the show (Check it out)....
Again we had a full cast and had the pleasure of seeing Miss Lucy Mae Beacock in her final performance as Matilda - what a talented young lady. Our seats were in the middle of the upper circle and we had plenty of room to stretch our legs. The only difficulty in these seats were that we had to lean forward multiple times in order to see the cast when they positioned themselves at the front of the stage. These tickets weren't listed as restricted although we felt that for the price we payed we shouldn't have had difficulty in seeing the cast. I have however sat front of stalls on a previous visit, but on reflection much preferred sitting higher up in order to take in the amazing choreography. Parents should note that the Cambridge Theatre Upper Circle is very high and the children behind us had difficulty seeing the show and spent most of the First half kicking our chairs! However we had a great afternoon at Matilda and would thoroughly recommend this show to Families and lovers of the film!

Our view from Grand Circle Seats G17/18