Review: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

Having seen Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at least three times already I feel as though I know the script! Obviously, I think it is a lovely feel good show that has all the perfect elements of an Andrew Lloyd Weber musical. I like especially the fact that it is nothing but singing and dancing; there is no `talking` as such. The biblical story of Joseph, loosely interpreted of course, is narrated by the wonderful Trina Hill who holds the whole show together. Unlike some musicals there is actually a story to support the songs albeit a simple one! This is an ideal show to take all the family to.

Having seen previous incumbents playing Joseph, Jaymi Hensley is as good as it gets. He had a very strong voice almost operatic in its quality. The eleven brothers of Joseph were brilliant, bringing so much energy to their roles. They were both entertaining and humorous. There were also so many local children in the Joseph choir that I could hear several parents chatting about them during the interval. The children were an absolute delight and really enhanced the whole show.

The stage set up and lighting were of the usual high standard we expect from a musical at MK Theatre. We mustn't forget the Joseph Orchestra who were excellent. It`s good that live music is still being supported in our theatres. This is a show not to be missed. It`s going to be a sellout. Joseph is on untill Saturday 13th April.

Tickets from www.atgtickets.com/Miltonkeynes or telephone 0844 871 7652 (booking fee applies)

Review: Sunset Boulevard at Milton Keynes Theatre

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit musical Sunset Boulevard is on its UK tour! With Glenn Close’s original West End Understudy Ria Jones as Norma Desmond. Ria had the chance to show her true colours when Glenn was taken ill and couldn’t perform. Audiences were wowed by her and now she takes on the role in her own right, visiting Milton Keynes this week and bringing a taste of Hollywood with her.

The story is quite simple, based on the 1950 Billy Wilder film, it follows a faded silent screen star who wishes nothing more than to be adored once again. Norma Desmond lives alone with her loyal Butler and upon a chance meeting with the runaway writer Joe Gillis (Danny Mac) she sees her chance to return to the screen. Norma is rich, terribly lonely and possibly a bit mad and you see her character change subtly throughout the show.

Ria Jones was terrific, her scenes and songs were perfect – emotional and funny - and the audience warms to her character as soon as she finishes her first solo. Danny mac was brilliant as Gillis and Adam Pearce, playing Max Von Meyerling (Norma’s Butler) was perfectly charming and a bit creepy at the same time! The music was superb, as to be expected by Andrew Lloyd Webber and was well played by the orchestra.

My favourite scenes were those of Norma and Joe, I did feel the rest of the scenes were fillers to keep the show moving and I didn’t care for any of the other characters. I’m not a fan of English attempting the American accent unless done perfectly and I’m not sure if they’ve quite cracked it. That being said, it was a great watch with a constantly moving stage set and a few projectors giving us snippets of old silent movies and newspaper headlines. The final scene with Norma, who has found her spotlight at last (although perhaps not how you might have imagined…) ended with an audience standing ovation. I’m also a little envious of Norma’s luxurious eclectic wardrobe.

For tickets, go to www.atgtickets.com - Sunset Boulevard is in town until Saturday 2^nd December.

REVIEW: Cats at MK Theatre

Review of Cats at Milton Keynes Theatre

 

Funnily enough Cats is a musical that I had bypassed all these years since the first showing in 1981 so it was about time I went to see what all the fuss was about. Well what a performance – a true example of excellent musical theatre. The enduring musical Cats written by Andrew Lloyd Weber has had a bit of a makeover in recent years. The story hinges on the lives of different character cats living on a dumpster. It`s quite a complicated and intricate set all adding to the atmosphere on the stage.

There are lots of big set dances with the very large cast and a range of different music and dance styles from jazz to ballet. The cast were athletic and gymnastic in their dance skills. As we got to know the individual cats then it was the solo pieces that the audience liked and recognised the most. Grizabella, the old decrepit cat played by Marianne Benedict performed the song Memory at least twice, well why not, it`s so good!

The cats came into the audience on many occasions and that was an excellent way to involve the theatre goers and to marvel at the intricate detail of the makeup and costumes. They were superb!

The show is all about the visuals and not the story and more of a variety show for cats which is probably why it`s called Cats!

There is still time to catch Cats at MK Theatre. It’s on till Saturday 29^th October.

Tickets from www.atgtickets.com/Miltonkeynes or telephone 0844 871 7652 (booking fee applies)