Showing posts with label West Midlands
10 August in ,

My First Theatre Experience Post UK Lockdown, Stratford-upon-Avon

News has been developing over the weeks about more theatre's having to begin redundancy consultations and now Christmas shows are being cancelled this festive season, including Qdos, the UK's biggest pantomime producer. It's a really uncertain time for theatre but there is some glimmer of hope as some outdoor performances begin to emerge up and down the UK in a bid to save the industry and people's jobs. One of those taking the plunge into outdoor performances in August is The RSC. 

Situated in Shakespeare's home, Stratford-upon-Avon is the gorgeous Royal Shakespeare Company. They perform Shakespeare's plays, as well as works by Shakespeare's contemporaries and plays by the writers of today. I've seen quite a few shows here over the past few years, my favourite recently being The Boy in the Dress. The theatre does an exceptional job at reaching as many people as possible through their work within avenues like touring and residences, broadcasting to cinemas, online activity and their education work which reaches 530,000 children and young people, including free schools' broadcasts. They really are a remarkable part of the theatre industry for the region itself and they've put out all of the stops to present outdoor performances over the weekends in August for free. 

The Shakespeare Snapshots will take place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in August for 45 minutes at 1pm and 3pm everyday in the Dell Gardens. You can't miss the area marked off with 23 hearts and a stump which takes centre stage for the show.  The shows are unticked but it does come on a first served basis. There are some standing spaces and the team advise that you don't arrive more than 30 minutes before your chosen performance of the day. The RSC team are on hand to direct you to a seating area and you need to stay within your allocated heart and not mix with other households. The team took our contact details for NHS Track and Trace which made me feel more comfortable about the whole experience. 

The group of performers perform a different show each week, featuring speeches and sonnets from Shakespeare. The performers are actors from the postponed productions of The Winter's Tale and The Comedy of Errors. The setting for the show is really tranquil and calming, although it's the first performance some of us have experienced for 5 months it feels like the spark of normality we've all been after.

The performers perform socially distanced and it doesn't take away from following through the series of monologues, duologues , sonnets and speeches. 






When the piece begins with the iconic 'All The World's A Stage' from Shakespeare's As You Like It you are taken on a journey through different characters. 45 minutes is a perfect length for a snapshot of some of these texts and finished with a jolly number which got the entire audience clapping and head bopping along. Some of the texts were more familiar than others for me, this would be a great taster for those audience members who haven't taken the dip into watching Shakespeare before. It offers good flavour for what the Royal Shakespeare Company perform in Shakespeare's hometown year in and year out. 

There wasn't the traditional buzz a theatre does to you but this was a step towards a new era for theatre, one that can offer a new atmosphere entirely. The warmth and joy from live theatre is very much still alive. I would encourage you to support The RSC with these outdoor performances and donate some money afterwards in return for their gift of theatre in such uncertain times for their industry. The RSC will be back though, bigger and better in the future. 

You can find out more about the live outdoor performances in the Dell Gardens here. 





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19 February in ,

REVIEW | Peter Pan Goes Wrong, Mischief Comedy.




PETER PAN GOES WRONG
ALEXANDRA THEATRE, BIRMINGHAM
★★★★★

 This is not the first time I've witnessed a show from Mischief Comedy, and it will surely not be the last. I've seen such spectacular performances as The Comedy About A Bank Robbery and The Play That Goes Wrong (which I've seen three times alone!). I sat and enjoyed The Goes Wrong Show on the BBC from the comfort of my own home during January, and would highly recommend it! Peter Pan Goes Wrong is one show I have been desperate to watch since seeing the show performed on BBC at Christmas a few years ago. Would it be just as hilarious and unforgettable as the rest? 

The premise for Mischief Comedy's shows centre around amateur theatre group, Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society. This time they're putting on a production of J M Barrie's classic story, Peter Pan. What could possibly go wrong? 

The small cast of sixteen plays their own part in putting on this show, with some playing 4 different characters (a nod to Phoebe Ellabani who nailed this!) and still manage to deliver a high paced production that is full to the brim with boisterous energy. From the moment you enter the auditorium, you are thrown into the action of putting on a show. The Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society stagehands are already causing their own chaos with long electrical leads being stretched across the seats and also looking for a missing hammer. This is my favourite element of a Mischief Comedy show for sure, it definitely gets the energy levels of their audiences raised before the curtain goes up too. 




This amateur dramatic production of Peter Pan has the same story premise (well just about). There is certainly the boy who never grow up, a sassy fairy called Tinkerbell and the evil Captain Hook. However, in this production, it's the crocodile (Tom Babbage) that captures the audience's hearts and becomes the star of the show. 

Peter Pan Goes Wrong can only be described as the amateur dramatic production from hell - everything that "could" potentially go wrong, does and in a superb style. You have to see it for yourself with this one! The show takes you on a ride of emotions; from laughing out loud to jaw-dropping moments that you certainly didn't expect to happen.  The action is continuous in this style of the show but Mischief Comedy is certainly the experts at making it look polished and well-rehearsed, even if you are watching it and wondering HOW DO THEY DO IT!? Peter Pan Goes Wrong is an experience in itself and one of the shows I would urge everyone to see. We are transported to the various locations of Neverland and the Darling's house by a revolving stage and thanks to Patrick Warner, he keeps us up to speed with the story as Narrator.

READ MORE: Peter Pan Goes Wrong on BBC One. 

There's a fantastic integration of pantomime about the show in this one with lots of "It's behind you", much to the delight of George Haynes. The audience contributes to the mayhem and madness of the show by showing out responses and this definitely adds a fantastic layer to Peter Pan Goes Wrong. 

I genuinely believe that Peter Goes Wrong is one of the funniest productions I've ever seen. It's terrific, slick and pure entertainment. The cast is superb and collectively deliver a ridiculous level of energy and enthusiasm for this style of theatre. The Mischief Comedy team are experts in putting on a fantastic show and there's absolutely no denying that they are the definition of comedy theatre right now. 

Peter Pan Goes Wrong is performing at Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham until 22 Feb and then moves onto Belgrade Theatre, Coventry for the final UK Tour dates 25-29 Feb. Don't miss your chance! 






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23 December in ,

REVIEW | Puss in Boots, Belgrade Theatre Coventry.



PUSS IN BOOTS
BELGRADE THEATRE, COVENTRY
★★★★★
For the fourth year running I travelled to Coventry to see this year’s pantomime at the Belgrade Theatre. This year’s production of Puss in Boots is just as epic; packed with as much laughter, fun and pantomime traditions you can cram into a show that runs for nearly 3 hours. This year they’ve taken a show which hasn’t been performed at the Belgrade Theatre in many years. It’s in fact the only production of Puss in Boots around the area this festive season and it’s been created with the entire family in mind to enjoy and love. 

Puss in Boots takes us on a thrilling adventure like no other! Beginning in the town of Baggy Bottom on the Bag things are looking bleak. An evil ogre and his henchman Victor Grabitt are in control of the entire town - even the King- and one of their first wicked deeds is kicking out Simon and his mother Matilda Pudding out of their home. However, with the transformation of their cat into Puss in Boots, she promises to help the poor Pudding family save their home and make them as rich as royalty by embarking on a crafty quest to rid of the ogre and Victor Grabbitt. Of course, it’s not that straightforward because Victor hears of their plans and schemes with the ogre to stop them in their tracks. I’ll let you figure out or see the conclusion of the story..




Belgrade Theatre really knows how to put on a pantomime like no other in the country and continue to thrill and excite their audiences over the years. Puss in Boots is definitely keeping up that reputation with some hilarious audience participation and a good singalong to get you involved with all of the action! There’s nothing to dislike in this show because the delivery is exceptional and it’s a pantomime that keeps on giving.

Iain Lauchlan once again steals the show in his elaborate costumes and natural ability to have the audience in fits of laughter. Craig Butterworth, another household name to the Belgrade Theatre during the festive season is fantastic as Simon Pudding. He executes his lines well and is loved by the younger audience as his raps as his alter-ego Baggy Bee! And this year he finally bags the princess- wahoo! The Belgrade Theatre would be lost without this duo and it’s their collective hard work and passion which makes the pantomime the success that it is! 

READ MORE: Review of Belgrade Theatre's 2018 pantomime, Sleeping Beauty. 

In the shoes of Puss is Joanne Thorne who delivers a delightful performance, even when Butterworth and Lauchlan sometimes make it difficult to keep in role. Thorne handled it well!

A pantomime would not be without a baddie and this year it’s down to Peter Watts to deliver the goods and he definitely does. He is wickedly fantastic as Victor Grabiit and I enjoyed his embodied of the physical comedy as well as doing it verbally. He was great fun to watch and loved lapping up the boos and hisses from the afternoon audience. 




As well as the main cast this year’s ensemble were just as fantastic, every year young performers audience to be part of the pantomime experience and this year they’re just as fab as previous years. They light up the stage with their energetic choreography and are enjoyable to watch. 

This year’s pantomime at Belgrade Theatre is an unmissable event in your festive plans! It’s always a highlight of the season for me and Puss in Boots was definitely no different.
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15 December in ,

REVIEW | Club 2B, Belgrade Theatre


Club 2B
Belgrade Theatre, Coventry
★★★★

 The Belgrade Theatre's 2b space is completely transformed into a Gatsby-style 1920s speakeasy party as an alternative offering to the pantomime going on in the Belgrade's main house theatre. It's hard to immediately pin down what Club 2B actually is; part cabaret, part dinner entertainment and part historical mythological storytelling. 

 Brought to this performance space by Strictly Arts Theatre Company. This company is, in fact, a result of Belgrade Theatre's talent development programme and it's fascinating to see what they've created together. Even the director Corey Campell immerses himself into the action as Zeus, the central character to our story that evening. 

 The narrative for this production follows Zeus hazily through history in pursuit of his lost queen, Hera. Hera (Iona Coburn) is a main thread through the story as she transforms herself into a variety of real and fictional female icons through history; including Coventry's Lady Godiva and Marilyn Monroe. It's down to Zeus to realise through his journey that in a world whose history is largely written by men, it doesn't matter how independent or powerful a woman is, she will ultimately be overshadowed or belittled. It's a really fun storyline and it's definitely different from the other productions I have seen over the year, and probably ever. What makes Club 2B stand out is its unique layer of media and performance intertwined into the production. I loved the transition between a really dramatic part of the story where all of the audience are focused intently to a snap-change into a cabaret where the actors are seen approaching the table to show off a card trick or direct them to casino tables around the space. You won't miss the fact that a lot of people are dressed for the occasion in their best 1920's attire and it's really quite something as it adds to the overall atmosphere of the place. 



It does take a while for the tempo to pick up in this show but you are quickly drawn into all of the action this production has to offer.

 The musical front isn't lost in Club 2B either; there is rap, smoky jazz and American smooth which fills the room thanks to a strong three-piece band. The 6 members of the cast are incredibly talented and engaging from the get-go, especially when there's so much going on and the audience need a bit of direction. There is time when the audience is invited to be a part of the action so it's a really immersive event to get your teeth stuck into. 


The five women of the cast (Iona Coburn, Aimee Powell, Meg Forgan, Charis McRoberts and Katy Anna-Southgate) are formidable individually as the female characters we are introduced to. There is an incredible ooze of empowerment, strength and sexiness that really echos out to the audience. In their own way, they add fantastic layers to this story and it has been expertly created to be something which is unique in its own way. 

If you are looking for something different for a festive production, Club 2B is definitely the ticket you SHOULD be purchasing. Club 2B is performing at Belgrade Theatre until 31 December. 
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29 November in ,

REVIEW | The Boy in the Dress, The RSC


The Boy in the Dress
The RSC
★★★★★

Out of all of the new stage productions to emerge through the wings in 2019, the RSC's announcement of The Boy in the Dress was one of the most highly anticipated for me. "You can be whoever you want to be" in this 2 hours 20-minute production based on the best-selling and heartwarming novel from David Walliams. I read this book in one sitting and knew instantly that the words amongst the pages could become a big hit on the stage. 

With the help of Mark Ravenhill, Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers,, they have re-imagined a story about a boy which will inspire young people and could definitely be the next big production grown at The RSC like Matilda. This groovy, exhilarating performance is cleverly crafted to be more than just a story specifically about gender politics or sexuality. In fact, it's all about the importance of individuality, difference and everyone's right to be loved exactly as they are. Although it's message runs deep it has been sugar-coated with fantastic comedy and spectacular musical numbers through and through. 


The high-class production value from this theatre is back with an enchanting set, the miniature moving houses are a fantastic touch through some specific scenes. Drawn with black and white lines, their monochrome backdrop embodies a community that are happy with being ordinary. This production definitely has the WOW factor and many times we could hear gasps from amongst the audience as we see the space transform before our very eyes over and over again. 

READ MORE: Interview with Natasha Lewis, Darvesh's Mum in The Boy in the Dress. 

The songs are direct with their cheesy/fun lyrics, integrated with punchy choreography. Most of the songs in The Boy in the Dress are very pop-esque but they are embedded well within the story, some of the songs are definitely more catchy than the others. You'll be humming Disco Symphony in your head, long after you've left your seat in the audience. However, A House Without A Mum tugged on my heartstrings as a highly emotive number and Extraordinary becoming an anthem for us all as we battle to love ourselves as we are. 

Mark Ravenhill's script for this production is perfect too and it takes the book and recreates the story superbly for the stage. There's some fantastic jokes in this story that Ravenhill has ensured are not lost and the young audience will love them too! The favourite gags here include a boy's love for Magnum ice creams and a pupil who wasn't expelled even though "he put his willy in a test tube" which are perfectly sat alongside the more serious side of Dennis' story. I laughed just as much (if not more) watching this production as I did when reading the book. 
Aletta Collins does a superb job with the choreography in this piece too. The two football matches are carefully crafted to come alive, there has been some clear time and practice in creating these pieces to perfection and they go down a storm with the audience. 


The entire cast of this production collectively brings so much energy and heart to their characters and this story about Dennis'. Rufus Hound delivers the emotional notes as Dennis' dad (he surprised me!), Natasha Lewis is blooming marvellous and so funny as Darvesh's eccentric mum. The young cast are great here too Tabitha Knowles as Lisa James, Ethan Dattani as Darvesh and Toby Mocrei were simply delightful in their roles. They all had a clear tone in their singing voices and brought the characters in the book to life completely. Their performances were beautiful and it almost flowed too quickly for my likely! 

It's a new musical I am really excited for and I genuinely couldn't recommend a more fitting production for the entire family to enjoy this season, it's perfect for everyone. 

The Boy in the Dress is a joyous, new British musical of our time that will hopefully make us as an audience love ourselves (and others) just that little bit harder.  You can catch it at the RSC until 8 March 2020. You can find out more here. 

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05 October in ,

REVIEW | Frankenstein, Belgrade Theatre Coventry

Frankenstein
Belgrade Theatre Coventry 
★★★★★

Selladoor Productions are having a stellar 2019 with the likes of Avenue Q, Amelie, Madagascar and 9 to 5 The Musical touring across the country as well as in the west end! They're not slowing down for the year JUST yet with the arrival of Frankenstein in partnership with Matthew Townshend productions, Belgrade Theatre Coventry and Perth Theatre at Horsecross Arts. 

It was an 18 year old girl named Mary Shelley who created one of the lasting horror stories of all time. The story stemmed from a competition of who could create the best horror story between her family, The Shelley's. It was Mary who won but in fact, Polidori wrote a story named The Vampyre which later influenced Bram Stoker whilst writing Dracula. 

 Selladoor have done a superb job in crafting a production that keeps the 200-year-old story as modern and thrilling as possible. The story is very much the same; Scientist Victor Frankenstein brings the dead back to life, only to discover that instead, he has created a monster. He breathes new life into the indifferent world. This creature desperately seeks out his true identity, but there's underlying agony of rejection and a broken promise that thrusts him into darkness. A lot of horror unfolds that affects Frankenstein's family and own life. This brilliant new adaption from Rona Munro brings Mary Shelley back to life too as she is placed into the heart of the action and shifts us through the entire fast-paced rhythm of this story. 

Eilidh Loan brings Mary Shelley's dream to life and as she wrestles with her creation and is struck by the stark realities facing revolutionary young women, then and now. She masters being on the stage for the entire production and has consistency in the levels of energy she delivers. Loan also plays a part in shifting the scenes and characters - her importance to the role is delivered superbly and she oozes power. 

Michael Moreland provides us with a chilling performance as The Monster and is terrifyingly brilliant at portraying the torment and fear this character needs to portray to the audience. Ben Castle-Gibb oozes the ambitious, arrogance and extremely single-minded characteristics of Frankenstein. He does an excellent job in taking you along his journey and it was clear that he well thought out his performance. 


The small cast collectively does an excellent job in shifting between different characters and bringing the chilling tale to life. Becky Minto's set design is playful and creative. Trees act as ladders to the different levels of the set and the monochrome colours create the scenes well. At the back of the stage is a upside-down tree that looked almost vein-like to me - it was cleverly crafted. There were definitely realistic sound effects in the piece that made me physically jump from my seat and both of the light effects and subtle music added fantastic layers to Frankenstein. 

It was truly a fantastic Autumn production that got me right in the mood for Halloween!

You can catch Frankenstein at Belgrade Theatre Coventry until 12 October before it embarks on a UK Tour. You can find out more information here. 
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12 September in ,

REVIEW | 9 to 5 The Musical UK Tour.


9to5 The Musical 
The Alexandra Theatre
★★★★★

Straight from the Savoy Theatre in London comes the smash-hit musical, 9 to 5. Pour yourself a cup of ambition for the UK & Ireland tour production of 9 to 5! Inspired by the 1980 film and brought to you by the musical legend Dolly Parton herself. Other than the title song, 9 to 5 admittedly being one of the most played songs on my Spotify account I had very little previous knowledge of this musical. 

9 to 5 centers around the story of three female workmates who are stuck working in a man's world; Doralee, Violet and Judy. Each of these woman provide different characteristics but deep down there's a real urge in female empowerment that oozes from the stage. Violet (Louise Redknapp) is a resilient woman who wants the best for her teenage son after her husband passed away. She has built up quite the reputation in the workplace as she trains all of the employees but her hard work is never rewarded and a promotion is so far away and quite frankly, she's through with it. Judy Bernly (Amber Davies) is the new girl in the office, and this is her first job. Her husband has ran off with a younger woman, his secretary and she is in a state of finding who she really is. Doralee Rhodes (Georgina Castle) is the super sweet but misunderstood secretary. Each of these woman deliver a fantastic performance each in their own unique way. 

Commonly these woman have a loathe for their sexist and egotistical boss Franklin Hart Jnr. Together they become a force to be reckoned with as they concoct a plan to kidnap their boss. This brings on a change like none other and we see what equality in the workplace can deliver. 


I have to say that this was probably one of the biggest surprises in musicals for me this year. I loved EVERY MOMENT of this show and I didn't want it to end. The performance as a whole completely blew me away and the cast are outstanding in delivering this fun, sassy and stylish musical. West End performer Georgina Castle is incredible as Doralee Rhodes and having seen her in Mamma Mia I knew she'd hammer it as a leading lady. She embodied a fantastic interpretation of Doralee's character from the hair to the breathtaking vocals.  

Undoubtedly one of the main surprises of the night for me was the performance from Amber Davies as the adorable Judy. The 2017 Love Island winner blew me away in her performance and I completely eat my words on the pre-perception that she wouldn't be able to take on such a big role. She is fantastic from the moment she takes to the stage and her rendition of Get Out and Stay Out almost brought me to tears, it was a really emotive performance from Davies and my goodness she is most definitely a stage star to watch out for! She is definitely way much more than the girl I watched on tv during the summer in 2017. Not only that but she has impeccable timing for the humorous parts of 9 to 5. 

There's also a bit of Dolly Parton magic as she narrates parts of the story! 


9 to 5 is known for being a hilarious musical and it most definitely delivered the gags in this production. The audience were in fits of laughter throughout the production with tongue in cheek humor here and a dig at Donald Trump there! The musical has everything to offer; the musical score is flawless with songs like 'Shine Like The Sun', '9 to 5' and 'I Just Might' bringing the house down. There's fantastic details in the set design and the clean cut choreography too - everything about it was first class. The story is incredibly simplistic but is so much more than a story about three women finding their way in a man's world. 

Underneath the fun and sass was the importance of equality and the right for woman to have the same opportunities as men. It is an empowering production that will make you stand up and raise the roof in applause!

Without a doubt - a 5 star production for me! 

Don't miss the 9 to 5 UK & Ireland Tour. Find out more on their website here.
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23 August in ,

The Alexandra Stage Experience - Singin in the Rain.


Singin' in the Rain
The Alexandra Stage Experience, Birmingham
★★★★★

It's the 16th summer that The Alexandra in Birmingham has invited the young, local talent of the West Midlands to perform on their stage. They have invited over 2000 young performers over the years and have captured the audiences with their exceptional level of talent. Not only is there the performers on stage but they also offer technical placements in sound, lighting, stage management and wardrobe. The theatre's Stage Experience is a fantastic opportunity for young people to be inspired and learn new skills that will better their chances in a professional world going forwards. Some of their previous attendees to the opportunity have ended up in well-renowned productions around the UK and even comedian Joe Lycett stood in the same wings as this year's group. 

This year they have taken the challenge of performing a classic musical, Singin in the Rain. 

The iconic musical from 1952 takes us through a moment in Hollywood history back in the late 1920s, when silent pictures were giving away to talkies, a film with a soundtrack. It's a perfect snapshot of history and incorporates milestones like The Jazz Singer, the first talkie to ever exist. Of course, Singin in the Rain also has the added bonus of iconic choreography from Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor. A duo which has inspired so many young performers still to this day. 

Did you know that although many movie musicals of the 1930s, '40s and '50s were based on stage shows which already existed, this wasn't one of them. It was, in fact, a completely new script, written just for the movie and featured old songs written for previous movies. It wasn't until after the film became a beloved classic with many some 30 years later that it became a stage musical. It premiered in London's West End in 1983 and also headed to Broadway too. 

60 years later the film still reaches the critical lists of the top 10 movies of all time, unusual for a musical but it has most definitely stood the test of time.


This production of Singin' in the Rain is heartwarming from start to finish and they have executed their hard work well. All of the young performers on and off the stage play their part in putting on such a fantastic production on this scale - you wouldn't believe some of them were so young with their natural professionalism. 

Taking the lead as Don Lockwood is Ben Tanner, an incredibly talented young man who managed to take on the leading character and juggle with difficult choreography too. Sam Rogers had the audience in roars of laughter in his excellent rendition of Make 'Em Laugh. Know for its extreme physical difficulty, featuring dozens of jumps, tricks and pratfalls, Rogers does a great job in keeping up with the tempo of it all. Actor Donald O'Connor who originally performed the song in the film was bedridden for several days after filming the sequence - but Sam Rogers looked at ease after this number and got straight into the next scenes. 

There were also fantastic vocal ranges in the young ladies of the cast, particularly Abby Hammond who played Dora Bailey and Jess Walton who took on the love to hate character Lina Lamont - although I felt for her having to nail a difficult vocal range.



One of the stand out performances for me was from Jack Smyth. He performed the song Beautiful Girl so beautifully you wouldn't believe this was his first time performing with Stage Experience. He's off to BOA in September and I'm genuinely excited for this young man to flourish in the upcoming years.

The choreography in Singin in the Rain is iconic and choreographer Pollyann Tanner has managed to really embrace the dance styles from the film. They hit the nail on the head with the Flappers and Tap choreography that my own tapping feet couldn't stop doing the steps in my seat (get me back to tap class in September already!)

All in all, you wouldn't believe that this show was created in a two-week period because it's superb from start to finish! The Alexandra has done a fantastic job in collaborating with the young talent of the West Midlands to provide an opportunity like no other. 

If you are interested in getting involved with the 2020 production of Fame! next year then I'd keep an eye on the Alexandra Theatre's Facebook page to find out more! 

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23 May in ,

REVIEW | Rocky Horror Show, UK Tour

Photo: Richard Davenport

Rocky Horror Show
UK Tour
The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
★★★★★

 Since the musical's debut in a tiny upstairs theatre in London back in 1973 not only has it been performed pretty much continuously across the world but since the popular 1975 film adaptation, The Rocky Horror Show has been cited as one of the most important plays to emerge from the counterculture movement of the late 1960's and the early 1970's. The writer Richard O'Brien wanted a musical that 'appealed to me, an eternal adolescent' (Source). Thanks to its gloriously camp combination of catchy songs, outrageous cross-dressing and B-movie plot. 

 It's a date in the diary for its avid fans who flock to the theatre in their best outfits influenced by many of the show's iconic characters. 

 My first visit to the musical was back in 2016 and it's one of the only musicals I know where traditional theatre etiquette is thrown out of the theatre. There is an 'allowance' for naughty innuendos to be shouted in response to specific parts of the show. Of course, there's the open invitation to Time Warp with the cast during the finale too. It's a show that has a unique atmosphere and an experience you won't forget. 

The Rocky Horror Show tells the story of a newly engaged couple, Brad and Janet who get caught up with a flat tire during a storm. They stumble upon a grand house to take shelter and unbeknownst to them it's the home of a mad transvestite scientist called Dr Frank N Furter. The characters innocence is lost amongst a household of eccentric characters, including a rocking biker and a creepy butler.

read more: The Rocky Horror Picture Show 2016 Tour Review.
Photo: Richard Davenport

Through a selection of elaborate dance numbers and rock songs, Frank N Furter (Duncan James) unveils his latest creation: a perfect, muscular man named Rocky Horror. 

This musical is quite the journey for Brad (Ben Adams) and (Joanne Clifton) who are thrust into a weird and wacky world that will test their innocence, but also explore their own personal journeys. Joanne Clifton does an incredible job at portraying the initially shy and demure person Janet is to becoming a bona fide sex goddess that oozes confidence. Her self-discovery enables her to shrug off the unnecessary pressure to be a chaste girl and some of her modest clothing too. Brad's character shows us that he initially appears to be charming and romantic but in fact he's a bit of a jerk. Unlike Janet, Ben Adams' character isn't bound by societal conventions to remain a virgin before marriage. His character takes on the acceptance that he doesn't want to live an old-school, traditional kind of life. Adams and Clifton certainly have a polished relationship in the Rocky Horror Show. They know their characters well and indefinitely use their vocal abilities to nail the musical score.

Frank N Furter's character is fascinating and Duncan James does a superb job in nailing the portrayal of the eccentric character in his own way. Almost as soon as the doors opened to reveal him for the Sweet Transvestite number you could feel the energy vibrating out into the audience. Duncan James has done an excellent job in portraying the balance between a feminine but masculine character with real authority to the entire story. I couldn't keep my eyes off him throughout the production as his performance was stellar. 

Photo: Richard Davenport
Photo: Richard Davenport
The audiences in Birmingham are in for a treat because exclusively to them is the bubbly Alison Hammond as the narrator. She received an incredible reception from her home crowd who ensured she was in for some of the traditional heckling in the show too. She was a natural up there and definitely integrated well into the musical's cast. 

Aside from great vocals and punchy choreography there are assured performances from the entire cast. The musical hasn't lost it's punch over the years and although it explores serious themes of sexuality and gender identity, it still remains a lot of fun! 

Don't miss The Rocky Horror Show during it's UK Tour. You can find out more and book your tickets here. 



DISCLAIMER: Theatre ticket was gifted in return for an honest review of the show. My opinions are my own and not influenced by the theatre or any other reviews of the production. 
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