Tag Archives: musical

Review: Tina Turner celebrated in Soul Sister musical

22 Apr

The real Tina Turner:

There have been many times when I’ve been out for the evening and I’ve seen women out in the shortest of dresses – bottom skimmers. I’ve wondered to myself, do they not worry about showing it all when they start to dance. Well I was reminded of my musings when I went to watch the stage show Soul Sister at the Hackney Empire, London, about the life of Tina Turner.

Whenever you see clips of Tina Turner shimmying in the shortest, sparkliest and fringiest of dresses in her hey day, you never ever saw flashes of anything unladylike. She was a master of keeping everything in control while blasting out the most fantastic vocals.

This show also reminds us of what a talent the lady is. The musical, with Emi Wokoma playing Tina, entertains on so many levels. You see here how so many of today’s acts have been influenced. Her backing singers don’t just sing – they join in with all the moves. The live band for the show is also extremely tight with Chris Tummings playing the controversial Ike Turner.

You witness the rise of Tina, Ike and the band and also the abuse handed out to its superstar. All of this is punctuated by amazing live vocals and performances which keep you gripped throughout. The show was rounded off with a live set of Tina’s later hits. The audience gave it a standing ovation. So if you want a show to get your blood pumping, I recommend Soul Sister, if not a tiny mini dress.

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Musical review: Hello Dolly!

24 Nov

The song “Hello Dolly!” is one of those songs that once I hear it, I hum or sing endlessly for at least a couple of days. So it was very fitting that I was treated to the seeing the production of the Jerry Herman musical it’s from when it was performed by the Cassio Operatic Society at the Watford Palace Theatre this month.

The story’s set in New York as the 19th Century transitions to the 20th. Dolly Levi (Julie Lilley), a widow and matchmaker has her eye on winning over the cantankerous millionaire Horace Vandergelder (Jeff Eales). But she realises that to be successful, Horace needs to make him feel it’s his idea and see her as the best choice while she appears to be helping him.

Potential wives for Vandergelder are hat-shop owner Irene Molloy (Fiona Wilkie) and heiress Ernestina Money (Clare Cordell). Dolly sets out to make them seem less favourable candidates. She’s also on a mission to help artist Ambrose Kemper win the hand of Vandergelder’s niece Ermengarde (Jeni Bolitho-Jones). A parallel story involves Vandergelder’s clerks Cornelius (Gareth Edwards) and Barnaby (Stephen Smith) getting involved with Mrs Molloy and her assistant Minnie.

Julie Lilley’s light and enchanting performance creates an endearing Dolly who carries the show along with the help of lively cast. The Cassio team delivered a spirited evening – an antidote to any subdued mood.

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Musical review: Rock of Ages

12 Sep

If you’re looking for a hilarious night of glitter garnished spandex and the flowing locks of rockers, you should get yourself over to the musical Rock of Ages at the Shaftesbury Theatre, London. It’s been a huge success in the US and now it’s on these shores. Set in an LA bar in the eighties, you can join the angst but mainly fun as the bar tries to save itself from demolition and two of its staff struggle with an obstacle-strewn romance. Justin Lee Collins stars in the musical alongside Shayne Ward, ex X-Factor winner who is completely unrecognisable as a self-obsessed lead singer in a metal band. The show is full of classic songs from Bon Jovi, Guns n’ Roses and more for you to sing along too. Best of all, it really doesn’t take itself seriously at any point. Not one for the kids though…

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