Review: Kinky Boots the Musical

Kinky Boots the Musical at MK Theatre – 29/10/19

Having seen the film Kinky Boots, I was very excited to go and see the musical that has arrived in Milton Keynes for the next couple of weeks.

Based on the true story of WJ Brookes, the musical follows the trials and tribulations of Charlie Price, a Northampton shoemaker, who has inherited a failing shoe factory from his father. To turn things around and stop the building being sold to property developers, Charlie decides that his company needs a niche market. Enter Lola! If you’ve seen the film, then you’ll know the casting of the character Lola is quite pivotal to the story, and the casting of Kayi Ushe as Lola in this stage version is perfect!

Lola is a drag queen that always has problems with the heel snapping on her (his) boots. Charlie sees this need and decides to do something about it. The audience is taken through the journey of Charlie’s up and downs as he produces ‘ladies footwear for men’.

Sometimes when a film is adapted for the stage it can cut out a lot of the detail and songs can be inserted for the sake of it – not necessarily adding anything. I don’t feel this was the case with Kinky Boots. The songs added to the story and engaged the audience with the mood of the scene, whether that be happy, sad or comical.

Giving the audience the complete immersive experience was the set. A backdrop of a shoe factory but with a central rotating ‘room’ that with a quick spin, transformed the stage to a bar, storeroom, a boxing ring or Lola’s stage. All very clever and allowed the action to flow effortlessly from one scene to the next.

On page 15 of the November Phonebox we spoke to Joel-Harper Jackson who plays Charlie. He said his favourite part is the big finale. Whilst watching it, you can really understand why he would say that as it was such a feel-good moment – and as he mentions, the audience really did go wild.

Kinky Boots is on at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 9^th November.

Tickets available from https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/kinky-boots/milton-keynes-theatre. I’d be quick though, as this is going to be a popular one.

REVIEW: Matthew Bourne's Cinderella at MK Theatre

 Matthew Bourne's Cinderella at Milton Keynes Theatre

 

Tuesday 14th February 2018

For those of you who are familiar with Matthew Bourne's work then you will not be disappointed in this retelling of the Cinderella story through dance. The show is a mixture of contemporary dance and ballet reflecting the skills of this amazing choreographer. The story is set in the London Blitz of the 1940s and uses the score from Prokofiev which provides the haunting and atmospheric music of the show. The stage set is dramatic with all the sounds, light and noise we would expect during the London Blitz. The set was expertly transformed; it was one minute a bombed ballroom and next a moon lit scene of ethereal quality.

I did find the story a little confusing at times, who was who, who was dead and who was alive. Plus there were some sub plots around to add to the mix.  But that said, the dancing was superb and the atmosphere was enchanting.

The whole cast were excellent so it's hard to single out anyone although I did think that the Angel played by Paris Fitzpatrick held the story together. Cordelia Braithwaite was beautiful and mesmerising as Cinderella and Will Bozier played the handsome pilot. Most of the cast seemed to play several parts so it was a highly energetic performance. This is a show not to be missed.

Cinderella is on at MK Theatre until the 17^th February.

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

REVIEW: Jersey Boys at MK Theatre

Jersey Boys at Milton Keynes Theatre

 

Wednesday 24th January 2018

 

We are all interested in the story of how a band becomes as famous as  Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. There's an amazing rise to fame for the four boys from New Jersey and also from the wrong side of the tracks. The musical tells their story fantastically through their music. And what fantastic music it is too. All of our favourite songs are sung in full or in part measure. I had certainly forgotten how prolific they were in having some of greatest songs that have stood the test of time. Who can forget “Walk like a Man” and Sherry Baby”?

The show is an award winning one with a fabulous score and arrangements enhanced by the iconic dance routines of the band. Surely this must be the greatest forerunner of the boy bands we see today although possibly with more talent! I particularly loved the harmonies of the boys.

The show was fast moving with multiple changes of set that one could never be bored. It was really a feel - good show of outstanding quality. 

Credit must go to the four boys Michael Watson, Simon Bailey, James Winter and Karl James Wilson who took the main leads. Also well done to Arnold Mabhena who seemed to mop up so many different roles I lost count!

Jersey Boys is on at MK Theatre until Saturday 3^rd February.

Tickets from the Box Office 0844 871 7652 (fees apply) or online at
www.atgtickets.com/shows/jersey-boys/milton-keynes-theatre

La Cage Aux Folles

A classic, OTT musical with something for everyone - a thoroughly enjoyable show about family, friendships, love and being true to who you are.

The story is about Georges and Albin, a flamboyant gay couple running the celebrated nightclub ‘La Cage Aux Folles’ in St Tropez with Albin as the show’s star Za Za. When their son, Jean-Michele, reveals he wishes to marry the girl of his dreams, Anne – the daughter of a right-wing homophobic politician – we then follow this extraordinary family as they hide their identities for a comical meeting with Anne’s parents.

In terms of the stage set, lighting and costumes this was spot on – transporting the audience to a real-life French Cabaret. We got exactly what we’ve come to expect from extravagant drag attire – with feathers, wings, glitter, sequins, high heels and wigs galore. The orchestra were as much a part of the show as well, with Za Za’s cheeky flirting with ‘Sandra’ the conductor.

The leads are played by Adrian Zmed as Georges and John Partridge as Albin, both of whom play their parts fantastically. John channelled his inner diva and entertained us greatly with his performance as both Albin and Za Za, he had the audience involved from the start and cracked some fantastically rude one liners amongst his superb singing. Not to forget the rest of the cast, ‘Les Cagelles’ dazzled us with their dance routines and a shout out to critically acclaimed Marti Webb as Jacqueline, who impressed us as their dear friend and owner of a trendy restaurant. Lastly a stand out performance from Samson Ajewole as Jacob, Albin’s butler/maid who was as camp as can be and funny in every way.

Don’t miss La Cage Aux Folles, on until Saturday 12^th August at Milton Keynes Theatre, visit www.atgtickets.com for tickets.

Dreamboats and Petticoats

Hey baby won’t you take a chance? Say that you’ll let me have this dance…well let’s dance! Dreamboats and Petticoats is here at Milton Keynes Theatre until 8^th July.

A new musical, inspired by the million selling album with hits such as Let’s Twist Again, Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen and Let’s Dance, this shows brings to life the wonderful era of Rock & Roll. Set in 1961, primarily at the Youth Club, we follow a group of teenagers as they deal with life’s troubles, love, ambition and writing their own music. They’re truly inspired by the pop music explosion over the last decade with dreams to become the next big pop sensation themselves.

The set was nice and simple showcasing the Youth Club with a few tweaks, turns and signs to take you into different scenes. Bright lighting and loud music will pull you along with the characters as they compete to win the song writing contest.

Excellent hairstyles, costumes and make up and the whole cast had brilliant voices and dance moves – our favourites were definitely the leads, Bobby and Laura, played by Alistair Higgins and Elizabeth Carter, they were cast perfectly. The show is also really quite funny and was very enjoyable to watch! Suitable for all ages and anybody that appreciates swishy petticoats as they spin and shiny, neatly greased hair that would make Elvis proud.

To grab some tickets, head to www.atgtickets.com

Nobody Puts Baby In The Corner!

You’re in for a delight at MK theatre this week, where you will be transported back to the summer of ’63 with the classic story of Dirty Dancing adapted for the stage.

The stage set was sublime – 3 key pieces that twisted and turned to transport you across the Kellerman Resort as we follow Baby, Johnny and friends on their whirlwind dancing shenanigans. Couple that with excellent lighting and some special effects you’ll be hooked from start to finish.

I can’t quite believe how perfect the casting was, the characters were uncannily like the leads from the original movie (Baby, Johnny and Billy especially). So many of us are fond of the movie, knowing the famous phrases and words to most of the songs, that it was great to be so familiar with the stage performance even though we hadn’t seen it before. And yes, she carries a watermelon!

A bit of eye candy for the ladies when we see more than we bargained for from Johnny and then the final scene where they make the lift perfectly had the audience cheering.

Dirty Dancing runs until 29^th April at Milton Keynes Theatre

You will not want to miss this one. Tickets available from www.atgtickets.com