Review: Beverley Knight stars in Cats at the London Palladium

Cats

London Palladium

Reviewed on Tuesday 27th October 2015

★★★★

Emma Lee Clark

Hot on the heels of its Blackpool run, Cats has returned to the London Palladium for a second Christmas season. 

When Andrew Lloyd Webber reunited with director Trevor Nunn, associate director/choreographer Gillian Lynne and designer John Napier to bring Cats back to the West End I don't think many predicted what a success the show would be. Performances sold out whilst both Nicole Scherzinger and Kerry Ellis received great acclaim for their portrayals of Grizabella.

Based on T.S Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the show is set on a special night of the year when all Jellicle cats meet at the Jellicle Ball. 

It's important to stress that before seeing Cats you have to leave all common sense outside the theatre and forget about any other musicals you may have seen (Cats can't be compared to anything). Cats shouldn't be over analysed; it is a truly unique show which was revolutionary for musical theatre when it was first staged in 1981.

Full casting announced for Cats in Blackpool

Full casting has been announced for the upcoming eight week run of Cats in Blackpool.

As previously announced, Jane McDonald will play Grizabella in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical which runs at the Blackpool Opera House between 9th July and 5th September 2015 following its recent run at the London Palladium.

The full cast includes: Adam Linstead (Old Deuteronomy), Matt Krzan (Munkustrap), Mark Richardson (Quaxo/ Mistoffelees), Paul Monaghan (Gus/Growltiger/Bustopher Jones), Evan James (Skimbleshanks), Georgie Leatherland (Rumpleteazer), Harry Francis (Mungojerrie, pictured), Clare Rickard (Jellylorum), Emma Lee Clark (Bombalurina), Anna Woodside (Demeter), Jane Quinn (Jennyanydots), Hannah Kenna Thomas (Victoria/ White Cat), Tarryn Gee (Jemima), Danielle Cato (Cassandra), Gabrielle Cocca (Tantomile), Luke Cinque-White (Carbucketty), James Titchener (Coricopat), Javier Cid (Macavity/Admetus), Jon-Scott Clark (Bill Bailey), Jack Butterworth (Rumpus/Alonzo) and Jordan Shaw (Pouncival). 

Full casting announced for Cool Rider

Full casting has been announced for Cool Rider which returns to the West End next month. The production runs at the Duchess Theatre from Tuesday 15th to Saturday 19th April 2014.

Mark Benton (Hairspray/Waterloo Road) will star as Mr Stuart and Niki Evans (Legally Blonde/X Factor) as Ms Mason. Hannah Levane (Flashdance/We Will Rock You West End) returns to play Paulette.

Also joining the cast are Stewart Clarke (Ghost/Loserville, pictured right) as Jonny, Luke Fetherston (Singin’ in the Rain/Top Hat) as Goose, Joshua Dowen as Louis, Harry Francis (A Chorus Line/Wicked) as Davey, Bronte Barbe (Over The Rainbow) as Sharon and Lucinda Lawrence (Kiss Me Kate/Love Never Dies) as Rhonda.

Review: Chicago at the Leicester Curve Theatre

Chicago
Leicester Curve Theatre
Reviewed on Saturday 21st December 2013

Despite running in the West End for nearly fifteen years, I was one of the very few people who had never seen Chicago on stage, so as soon as Leicester Curve's Artistic Director Paul Kerryson announced he was directing a brand new production, with musical direction by Ben Atkinson and choreography by Drew McOnie, I knew I had to see it.

The Curve’s production uses the original 1975 script and, in the words of the show's leading lady Gemma Sutton (during a recent interview with What's On Stage), "there are no fishnets, no string vests and no black chairs.”

Chicago transported me to musical theatre heaven – the show is injected with style, flair and character, but also doesn't take itself too seriously. Chicago, which is one of the sexiest musicals ever written, revolves around scintillating sinners Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly who, as well as desiring freedom from jail, crave fame... which is where lawyer Billy Flynn comes in. Flynn manipulates the press, turning his clients into overnight stars.

Full casting announced for Curve Leicester's Chicago

Full casting has been announced for the Curve Leicester's production of Chicago. Leading the company are Verity Rushworth (Velma Kelly), Gemma Sutton (Roxie Hart, pictured right), David Leonard (Billy Flynn) and Sandra Marvin (Mama Morton) with Adam Bailey (Mary Sunshine) and Matthew Barrow (Amos).

The cast will also feature: Jocasta Almgill, Ashley Andrews, Michelle Andrews, Harry Francis, Jonny Godbold, Simon Hardwick, Fela Lufadeju, Katy Hards, Anabel Kutay, Jessica Kirton, Lucinda Lawrence, Jon Reynolds, Zizi Strallen and Callum Train.

Chicago has music by John Kander, music by Fred Ebb and is based on the play Chicago by Maurine Dallas Watkins. The production will be directed by Paul Kerryson and choreographed by Drew McOnie.

The production opens on 4 December (previews from 29th November) and has extended its run until 18th January 2014. Set in 1920’s Chicago, this sleek, sexy show tells the story of scintillating sinners, Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, their crimes of passion and their outrageous pursuit of fame and celebrity. But murder, adultery and corruption are no match for their manipulative, smooth talking lawyer, Billy Flynn. He’ll razzle dazzle us ‘til we’re begging for more...

Review: The Singers Soirée at St Giles-in-the-Fields

The Singers Soirée

St Giles-in-the-Fields

Reviewed on Thursday 12th September 2013

Following several sold out performances on board the Battersea Barge, last week The Singers Soirée, founded by Jamie Chapman Dixon, transferred to a considerably larger venue, St Giles-in-the-Fields in Tottenham Court Road. The venue is lovely; however, the lack of toilet facilities was slightly frustrating.