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Come Dancing, Reviews and Previews September 21, 2008

Posted by Linda in : Musicals, come dancing, reviews , 8comments

Come Dancing is a new musical by Ray Davies of the Kinks.

Come Dancing reviews

We really enjoyed our evening at Come Dancing, the new Ray Davies musical, at the Theatre Royal Stratford East on Friday. I thought the show was perfect for the theatre and for the Stratford audience. I can’t really give a fair Come Dancing review, as it was still in preview, so these are just my impressions.

The Come Dancing Set

The first thing I noticed on going into the theatre was that a few rows of seats had been replaced by tables and chairs and some people were seated at tables on the stage. There was also a bar on stage which the audience were encouraged to use during the interval.

The set is designed to give the illusion that most of the time we were actually in the Ilford Palais dance hall in the mid ’50s. Lighting changes were skillfully used to convey set changes.

I’m usually wary of this kind of thing in traditional theatres but I think it worked very well. We were in the first row of theatre seats (row D) and had a good view of the production. The tables looked like great fun and I’d be sorely tempted if I went again!

The Cast of Come Dancing

Ray Davies

Ray Davies

Ray looked quite nervous at first, in his role as narrator but he soon settled into it. I thought he was in good voice and gave an excellent and at times very touching performance.

come dancing Rays sistersGemma Salter was fantastic as Ray’s youngest sister Julie. She has a great voice and a strong stage presence. This is her first major role and I am sure it is just a glimpse of things to come. She looked frail and delicate, as the role required, but she gave the part just the edge of steel it needed. (I couldn’t help but think what a wonderful Nancy she might have made!)

Alasdair Harvey Come Dancing

I thought Alasdair Harvey’s portrayal of the fading band leader Frankie was superb but it’s not really fair to single people out as the rest of the cast were terrific too.

The Story of Come Dancing

I’m not going to spoil it by saying anything much about the plot. It is a really genuine, touching human story. Ray Davies has done his best to show us a moment of transition, the birth of the teenager, the start of rock and roll and what it meant to that post war generation. I think he’s done a good job of capturing the raw, sometimes dangerous, energy of the time as the new generation began to emerge.

The Future for the Musical of Come Dancing

I really hope that Come Dancing gets a West End transfer, or perhaps a regional tour. It was still in previews when we went so it would not be fair for anybody to write full Come Dancing reviews just yet. Still, I’m happy to give an initial thumbs up because I feel so positive about the show. The audience were on their feet clapping and dancing by the end. It was a great night out, full of excellent music, wonderful dancing, laughter and tears.
If you get the chance to see Come Dancing, even if you are not a Kinks fan, go!

There are one or two less favourable Come Dancing reviews around already but the vast majority of the audience on Friday night seemed to share my positive opinion of the production. Hopefully it will soon be everyone’s favourite new musical. We’ll be watching Come Dancing’s progress with the highest of hopes for all involved.

Other Views and reviews

Open Comments

Agree or disagree with our review, have you seen Come Dancing yet or hoping to? Ray Davies fan or not, what do you think of the issues and ideas behind bringing this musical to London?

Exclusive Saturday Night Theatre Breaks August 2, 2008

Posted by admin in : Dirty Dancing, Grease, Hairspray, Musicals, Oliver, Special Offers, jersey boys, offers, theatre breaks , add a comment

Exclusive Saturday night theatre tickets

A new offer from Superbreak gives you the chance to choose Saturday night tickets for one of a range of popular shows with two nights in a London hotel for a very reasonable price. There’s also a fantastic bonus pack but more about that later. The top London show Saturday night tickets for these particular dates can be hard to find which is part of what makes this exclusive theatre break deal particularly attractive. You can not only choose from a range of 3* and 4* hotels but also specify from a range of theatre ticket price bands.

For example, two could stay 2 nights in a 3* hotel and see Oliver! (with Jodie!) in January from as little as £252 ! Or go in November and see Lee Mead in Joseph before he finishes, 2 nights in a 3*hotel plus tickets for 2 from £262

Not only that you get a VIP Theatre Pack full of goodies including a special exclusive CD and loads of valuable discount vouchers. But just wait until you see which West End Musicals are included in this exclusive offer.

Want to be sure of getting tickets? Book now

Shows and Dates

The offer is for specific dates in the autumn and winter of 2008. You could even book more than one.

Dirty Dancing Saturday 18 October 2008

do I see a girls’ night out in your future? Plus these weekends in London would be perfect for anyone planning a Hen Night.

November

Feeling like a musical November to chase away the winter chills?

Grease - Saturday 08 November 2008

Is this the one that you want?

Dirty Dancing - Saturday 15 November 2008

Wedding not till November? No Problem!

Joseph - Saturday 22 November 2008

Yes, see Lee before it’s too late!

Hairspray - Saturday 29 November 2008

Top show, what can I say, these are class shows! check availability

December

What about a shopping break in London combined with a show?

Jersey Boys - Saturday 06 December 2008

Oh What A night!

Dirty Dancing - Saturday 13 December 2008

Aw, Xmas weddings are cute :-)

January 2009

Oliver! - Saturday 24 January 2009

Oh yes, would you believe it? Tickets to see Jodie on a Saturday in January could be yours!

Act Fast - Book Now

You are going to have to act fast to grab these. It’s such a good offer the shows will book up fast.

So act now to book your Saturday Night Exclusive Theatre Break in London

What’s in the VIP Theatre Pack?

Further details and check availability of tickets on the Exclusive Saturday Peformance Offer page

Imagine This - New London Musical set in Poland July 24, 2008

Posted by Linda in : Imagine This, Musicals, New London Theatre , add a comment

Imagine This - the musical

Imagine This is a new musical set in Poland which is moving to The New London Theatre in the West End after a very successful run at the Theatre Royal Plymouth. The musical will start previews on November 4th and opens on November 19th.


**Book Imagine This London Theatre Breaks **

Imagine This

Imagine This - the story

The story is set in the Warsaw Ghetto in 1942 Poland and follows the passions, relationships and courage of a troupe of actors staging a play to try to keep hope alive in their community. The story is very much about ordinary people forced by extraordinary circumstances into making heroic decisions.
The theatre director Daniel Warshowky persuades his closest family and friends to put on a play that will inspire the community and force them to imagine a world beyond Nazi domination. He bases the play on the classic Jewish story of the martyrs of Masada. Trapped in their stronghold on top of Masada almost 1000 Jews, with their leader Eleazar ben Yair chose to commit suicide rather than give in to the Romans.

The action moves between the two stories, that of the Ghetto players and the Masada play.

Despite the grim situation the musical is full of hope, energy and optimism. Surprisingly there is also lots of humour in such tragic circumstances.

Imagine This - the music

The score is by Shuki Levy, whose previous work seems to have been mostly for children’s TV. He wrote the themes for Power Rangers, Inspector Gadget and He Man Masters of the Universe . This didn’t seem too promising but then I realised I could still remember the tunes of all these 90s classics! On further investigation I found there are samples from the Plymouth production available on the web site and I have to admit I was favourably impressed. The music is described as soaring and uplifting and from what I’ve heard that’s accurate. Juke box musical this is not! I suspect if you like the music from Marguerite you’ll like this.

The lyrics are by David Goldsmith who has worked with Levy before.

Imagine This - the cast

A full cast list for Imagine This has not yet been announced but so far we only know that Peter Polycarpou will carry on from the Plymouth production. Stephen Ashfield is unlikely to appear as he’s now in Jersey Boys and Annette McLaughlin seems to have other commitments as well.


**Book Imagine This London Theatre Breaks **

Come Dancing - Ray Davies new musical July 16, 2008

Posted by Linda in : Musicals, Theatre Royal Stratford East, come dancing, dates , 2comments

Come Dancing with the Kinks

Come Dancing, is a new musical written by former Kinks singer-songwriter Ray Davies. It will open at the Theatre Royal Stratford East for a short run (13 September to 25 October 2008) before a possible West End transfer. Although the title comes from a song written by Davies in 1983 the show is not a jukebox musical. Original music and lyrics have been written by Davies. The multi-talented Davies (no mean poet as well as song writer) originated the story and co-wrote the book with Paul Sirett, there’s also additional material by Terry Johnson.The show will be directed by Theatre Royal Stratford East’s artistic director Kerry Michael.

The Story

Come Dancing is set in the Ilford Palais in the 1950s. According to the web site it:

“takes us back to a time when Saturday night dancing at the local palais was the magical, not-to-be-missed highlight of every young person’s week”.

Back in 2000 in an interview with Rolling Stone Davies said:

“‘Come Dancing’ is a musical with lots of actors and actresses. It’s about my sisters and how they lived through that time in post-war Britain.”

Ray Davies

Londoner Ray Davies was the frontman and main song writer for The Kinks from the early days (1963) to the end of the band in mid-1990s. He wrote classic hits such as “You Really Got Me”, “All Day and All of the Night”, “Lola”, “Waterloo Sunset”, “Do It Again” and one of my particular favourites “Muswell Hillbilly Boy”. As I mentioned he’s also a published author of both fiction and poetry.

Come Dancing with the Kinks

My thoughts on Come Dancing

It’s been a long time coming but it might just be worth the wait. It had a pretty good eight week workshop at the National way back in 2000 and has been promised for further development ever since. Now I’m a Kinks fan of old and I think Ray Davies is a brilliant song writer so I will definitely be hoping to see this at the Theatre Royal Stratford East. I just wonder if Come Dancing will finally make it to the West End, we shall see….

Come Dancing Kinks Video

Meanwhile here’s a video taster of Come Dancing

Where are they now? TV Contestants On Stage July 13, 2008

Posted by Linda in : I'd do anything, Musicals , 4comments

TV audition show contestants - where are they now?

Lots of people, including myself, have raised questions about the fad for TV audition shows. Well in some cases I’m more than happy to eat my words :-) Here’s a round up of some of musicals whose casts include TV show contestants.

They’re Playing Our Song

Connie Fisher - How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria? winner 2007

Having played Maria in the Sound of Music Connie will soon star in this Neil Simon show. The musical starts its run at the Menier Chocolate Factory on July 25 and runs till September 28.

Joseph

Lee Mead as Joseph

Lee Mead - Any Dream will Do winner 2007

Still the People’s Joseph, Mead goes from strength to strength.

Grease

Danny Bayne - Grease is the Word 2007

Danny plays the leading male role, Danny Zuko in Grease

Ray Quinn - X-Factor 2006 (2nd)

In his West End debut Ray plays Doody for a limited season - until 15 November 2008.

Oliver

Jodie Prenger -I’d Do Anything, 2008

Rehearsals for Oliver begin in September. Jodie will be Nancy six of the eight performances a week at the Theatre Royal from December.

We Will Rock You

We Will Rock You
Rachel Tucker from I’d Do Anything, 2008 will play Meat in We Will Rock You

Les Miserables

Nancy Sullivan - I’d Do Anything, 2008

Nancy plays the adult Eponine in Les Mis

Leanne Dobinson “How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria” 2007

Leanne plays Cosette

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (UK Touring Production)

Susan McFadden - Grease is the Word 2007

Over to you…

I’m sure there must be some I’ve missed. Who else is currently playing in the West End but got their start on a TV audition show?

Theatre Breaks in London with the kids - top 5 shows this summer. June 20, 2008

Posted by Linda in : Grease, High School Musical, Musicals, joseph, lion king, opinion, theatre breaks in London, wicked , add a comment

A theatre break in London with the kids sounds like a great idea, doesn’t it? There’s so much to do and see in London, even in a British summer. The hotels aren’t too expensive and you can book the whole thing, show tickets, 2 or 3 nights hotel, extras as an all in one package, you can even include the return rail fare. If your children are over the age of 3 you should be able to find a show to suit your family.

So which shows do you go to see?

It really depends on the age of the children and their interests.
Don’t be put off by worries that the shows will all be sold out, companies that sell packages often have good, reasonably priced tickets for hit shows when no one else does.

The Lion King

The Lion King is pure Disney and one of the best shows for mixed ages. The Lion King is so much more than the cartoon. The story is simple and familiar but the spectacle and the power of the live music makes it really something special. Ideal for boys, girls, and just about anyone who likes animals!It is long though and that partly explains the age restrictions (see below).

Ideal for 7 plus, below 7 use your discretion but be realistic. Under 4s will not be admitted to the theatre. They are quite strict about this.

** book Lion King theatre breaks **

Joseph

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s version of the biblical story is a family classic. Good for mixed ages the show has plenty of action, strong, well-known songs and is performed by a lively, young cast. Joseph was originally written for children the show keeps their interest well but has enough going on to keep the adults involved too. If you want to see Lea Mead you should know he will be on holiday 28th July - 5th August 2008.

** book Joseph theatre breaks **

Wicked

Wicked is ideal for those of you with pre and early teen girls. They will love it! The story is set in Oz before Dorothy gets there and sets out to explain why Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of The West is so wicked and so very green. Wicked sets the record straight about that poor, misunderstood witch. It has some sinister moments but nothing too scary. There aren’t any stated age restrictions but use your judgement. It is very, very long.

** book Wicked theatre breaks **

High School Musical

High School Musical - this is one that anyone between 8 and 16 will know more about than you do!Based on a hit TV series this is the story of Troy, a popular high school basketball star, and Gabriella, a shy, academically gifted newcomer, who discover they share a secret passion for singing. Lively, fun, and very American this is one that the kids (and the adults!) will either love or hate. This is the one they are likely to think is ‘cool’ to see and to brag about.

** book High School Musical theatre breaks **

Grease

We all know the story of Sandy the goody two-shoes from Australia who falls in love with bad boy Danny Zuko over the summer holiday and their reunion at Rydell High School. The songs from Grease are classics and they are sung with great energy by this lively cast. Best for 10 plus the story and music will appeal to both boys and girls. If you want to see Ray Quinn (X-Factor) remember he’s on holiday 19th-25th of August.

  • Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Matinees: Sat 3:00pm
  • Evenings:Monday to Thurs - 7.30pm, Fri - 8.30pm, Sat - 7.30pm

    • ** book Grease theatre breaks **

    Top Tips

    The Shows To Avoid

    Zorro the Musical - Emma Williams and Matt Rawle June 4, 2008

    Posted by Linda in : Musicals, cast changes, garrick, zorro , add a comment

    Emma Williams as Luisa

    Zorro the Musical will feature Emma Williams as leading lady, Luisa, according to an interview in The Evening Courier. Emma will play Zorro’s love interest, the role played by Catherine Zeta Jones in the film. Emma has impeccable West End credentials having played Johanna in Sweeney Todd at the Royal Festival Hall. She also took leading roles in Sex, Chips and Rock ‘n’ Roll, Batboy The Musical and Promises Promises. This was based on the 1960s Billy Wilder comedy The Apartment. Emma played Fran Kubelik, a role made famous by Shirley MacLaine. Her first West End performance was as Truly Scrumptious in the original Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in 2002, when she was only 19. More recently she played Madonna in the ill-fated Desperately Seeking Susan.

    Matt Rawle as ZorroZorro the Musical - Emma Williams and Matt Rawle zorro

    Matt Rawle is Zorro. Zorro is the secret identity of Don Diego de la Vega, a wealthy caballero and master swordsman living in Spanish California, who defends the people of the land against injustice. Matt also has a host of musical credits, including Chris in Miss Siagon, the title role in Martin Guerre and Marius in the touring production of Les Miserables. Most recently he played Che Guevarra in Evita at the Adelphi in the 2006 production.

    Zorro the Musical

    Johnston McCulley created the the iconic character Zorro in 1919. Two blockbuster films were made in recent years, based on McCulley’s story, Mask of Zorro in 1998 and Legend of Zorro in 2005, both featured Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta Jones in the lead roles.

    In 2005 Isabelle Allende wrote Zorro: A Novel in which she retells the tale of the original Zorro legend adding her own brand of magical realism and South American culture to McCulley’s original story. It is this book rather than the earlier one which was the inspiration for the musical.

    The combination of Allende’s story, two fine leading actors, the music of the Gypsy Kings, lots of spectacular sword play, extraordinary aerial acrobatics, incredible magic trickery and genuine flamenco dancing, should make for a really stunning evening in the London theatre.

    Zorro the Musical opens at the Garrick on June 30th.

    Oliver - Jodie gets two extra performances on a Saturday! June 2, 2008

    Posted by Linda in : I'd do anything, Musicals, Oliver, Theatre Royal, dates , 1 comment so far

    Oliver tickets with Jodie Prenger
    Jodie Prenger, winner of BBC’s I’d Do Anything, has already been given an extra two performances a week. This turns it into an almost full schedule. According to the official site:

    Sickness and holiday permitting, we have decided that Jodie Prenger is scheduled to perform on Monday and Tuesday evenings, Wednesday matinees, Friday evenings and both performances on Saturday. Until the show opens in December we cannot make a final decision on any additional performances.

    So someone clearly has confidence in Jodie’s ability to cope, despite what might have have been said during the show. There’s been a huge outcry about the small number of performances initially allotted to the winner. If you want to explore the full range of reactions just have a look through the seventy odd comments on my Jodie Prenger Wins I’d Do Anything blog post!

    This looks like a good move on their part given the strength of the popular vote, Jodie’s personal popularity must be capable of translating into ticket sales so they’ll want to use her as much as possible.

    I wonder if they had set the level so low in case one of the youngsters won. Let’s be honest, I can’t imagine 17 year old Samantha Berk sustaining more than 4 performances a week or Jessie, for that matter, at all of 18. I know Nancy’s not an enormous role but it has some taxing songs and her performance is pivotal to the success of the show. If we don’t care about Nancy nothing else makes sense.

    So now you can be sure of seeing Jodie Prenger as Nancy on your Oliver weekend theatre break. Just one thing, book soon, as weekend dates are filling up fast!

    Oliver with Jodie Prenger Tickets

    Jodie Prenger is Nancy but can you be sure of seeing her? June 1, 2008

    Posted by Linda in : I'd do anything, Musicals, Oliver, Theatre Royal, dates , add a comment

    Jodie and OliverJodie Prenger was revealed on I’d Do Anything last night as the nation’s choice for the role of Nancy in Cameron Macintosh’s new production of Oliver at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. The production starts previews from December 12th and Oliver theatre breaks are already on sale.

    What Nights Will She Play?

    Please Note - Updated Post - Jodie is now playing 6 shows a week.

    So Jodie is Nancy, but how can you be sure of seeing her? The official web site for the show now says:

    Sickness and holiday permitting, we have decided that Jodie Prenger is scheduled to perform on Monday and Tuesday evenings, Wednesday matinees, Friday evenings and both performances on Saturday. Until the show opens in December we cannot make a final decision on any additional performances.

    So if you want to book Oliver theatre breaks now, to be sure of getting tickets you need to pick your days with care.

    It may be that once rehearsals get going and they see how she copes more performances will be added. Currently Jodie Prenger will  play 6 houses a week.

    Christmas Oliver Theatre Breaks

    It might still be possible to book a theatre break to see Oliver during the Christmas holidays. If you are going to go for that you will need to act quickly. I think Oliver will be a massive draw over the Christmas period. We all love a bit of Dickens at Christmas and Oliver is a perfect family show.

    Oliver Christmas Performance Dates and Times

    Sickness and any holidays permitting Jodie’s proposed performances are marked in red:

    Mon 22nd December - 7.30pm

    Tues 23rd December - 2.30pm & 7.30pm

    Wednesday 24th December - 2.30pm

    Thursday 25th December - No show

    Friday 26th December - 7.30pm

    Saturday 27th December - 2.30pm & 7.30pm

    Monday 29th December -7.30pm

    Tuesday 30th December -7.30pm

    Wednesday 31st December - 2.30pm & 7.30pm

    Thursday 1st January -7.30pm

    Friday 2nd January- 7.30pm

    Saturday 3rd January- 2.30pm & 7.30pm

    Update - Jodie gets Saturday performances

    See our latest post -Jodie’s playing both Saturday performances as well now, possibly due to public demand.

    What about Oliver?

    I’m afraid there’s no way to be sure of seeing your favourite Oliver. The web site states:

    Due to licensing issues we cannot decide which Oliver will perform until shortly before the performance starts.

    Having said that they are all wonderful, and we shouldn’t really play favourites . I can’t help but have a soft spot for one little Welsh charmer but I know they’re all good.

    I’ll be ‘reviewing the situation’ :-) and I’ll post as soon as there are any more details about the cast, dates, or anything else to do with Oliver.

    Check availabilty for Oliver Theatre Breaks with Show and Stay/Holiday Extras using the form below:

    Oliver - Never mind Nancy -who will be Bill Sykes? May 19, 2008

    Posted by Linda in : I'd do anything, Musicals, Oliver, opinion , 7comments

    Burn_Gorman tipped for Bill SykesThe Daily Mail seems to think it knows. They are tipping Burn Gorman to play the bruiser Bill Sykes in the new production of Oliver. Now I really like Burn’s work. He’ll be sadly missed in Torchwood where he did show he has an interestingly dark side. He was excellent in Bleak House on the BBC too so he knows his way around a costume drama. He’s musical, having even worked with the ENO. I just cannot quite see him as Bill Sykes. How can I put this? Maybe Dickens can help.

    Oliver Twist

    Skyes was….

    … a stoutly-built fellow of about five-and-thirty, in a black velveteen coat, very soiled drab breeches, lace-up half boots, and grey cotton stockings which enclosed a bulky pair of legs, with large swelling calves;–the kind of legs, which in such costume, always look in an unfinished and incomplete state without a set of fetters to garnish them. He had a brown hat on his head, and a dirty belcher handkerchief round his neck: with the long frayed ends of which he smeared the beer from his face as he spoke. He disclosed, when he had done so, a broad heavy countenance with a beard of three days’ growth, and two scowling eyes; one of which displayed various parti-coloured symptoms of having been recently damaged by a blow.

    oliver reed played Bill Sykes

    You see, by this point I’m imagining Oliver Reed who played the part in the 1968 film version .
    I just can’t quite fit the slim figure of Burn Gorman, all 5 ‘ 10″ of it, dominating some of the remaining Nancys. In particular I think if Burn is cast then Jodie is doomed. She would need someone with a bit more physical substance to play against than Burn. This is a great shame in my opinion as Jodie is consistently the best Nancy on I’d Do Anything. And Andrew Lloyd Webber has a cheek describing her dancing as “meatloaf” - not nice or even accurate!

    I don’t really see how they can cast Bill Sykes without knowing who will play Nancy. There has to be a physical chemistry there that helps to explain why Nancy would stay with such a rat. If not it makes a total nonsense of a huge part of the plot. And this would mean that all four lead characters would have no solid, day in day out, stage musical experience! Am I the only one that’s worried?

    Update - it’s Sikes not Skyes!

    What can I say? I got it wrong as one of our readers kindly pointed out. Thanks Rosie :-)

    Check Availability for Oliver Theatre Breaks..

    Thanks for reading London Theatre articles about Musicals