Editor's Blog: A West End Theatre Holiday (Part 2)

Click here to read Part 1 of this piece.

On Thursday afternoon I arrived at the Harold Pinter Theatre to see my first play of the year, Jez Butterworth’s Mojo starring Brendan Coyle, Rupert Grint, Tom Rhys Harries, Daniel Mays, Colin Morgan and Ben Whishaw. The reviews and word of mouth have built up the production to be absolutely mind blowingly brilliant, but personally I do not think it is. Mojo is incredibly interesting but takes too long to become gritty and gripping. 

The second act of Mojo is considerably stronger than the first and Ben Whishaw gives the most insanely exceptional performance. This was my first time seeing Ben perform live and you can't help but be drawn to him each time he steps on stage, regardless of what else is going on. Harry Potter star Rupert Grint, who is making his West End debut, gives a good performance. I could easily spot the Harry Potter fans, especially during the bows - I have never heard such a roar in a theatre after an afternoon performance, especially after such a heavy play! It is, of course, fantastic that the talented cast are attracting different audiences to the West End (most of whom had seen the production four or five times already).

Mojo left me well and truly emotionally drained so I headed to the Apollo Victoria for some theatre therapy! Wicked is the only show I would happily see again and again and again, you can read my recent review of the new cast here. The show is in safe hands! 

Just before the performance I was excited. to discover that I would be seeing Willemijn Verkaik's standby Emma Hatton as Elphaba as I interviewed Emma a year ago during her time in We Will Rock You and when questioned about her dream roles she said "I know I’m not quite ready yet but one day I would like to play Elphaba in Wicked." So, twelve months later, to be sat in my seat about to watch her defy gravity was rather exciting! 

Emma gave a spectacular performance and you would never have known it was one of her first shows. She brings some smooth rocky tones to the big numbers but most importantly performs with such sincerity. Emma had strong chemistry opposite Savannah Stevenson, both performed with such depth and detail. 

I felt rather sad on Friday afternoon sat in front of a computer screen replying to emails and writing features instead of heading into town to catch a matinee. To end the week I saw the Friday evening performance of Mamma Mia  (cast member Dianne Pilkington pictured left) at the Novello Theatre. You can read my full five star review of the show here. It was a fun way to end my theatre holiday and I will most certainly be doing the same next January!

I must also mention Punchdrunk's production of The Drowned Man: A Hollywood Fable which I caught last month. I didn't want to write a review as it would be impossible to discuss the show without giving things away. I had never seen a Punchdrunk production before so arrived at the warehouse in Paddington slightly terrified. I was on my own which made it more scary but I would recommend going on your own or at least splitting up with your friends/family as it is so much more exciting if you have an individual experience. 

The production is somehow mystifying, exciting, dark, beautiful and fun all at the same time with with the most incredible cast. After the grand finale everyone was guided into a bar where people could buy drinks and enjoy live music performed by a marvellous band led by Elena Hargreaves' sublime, Paloma Faith sounding vocals. She is one to watch! Yesterday The Stage reported that Punchdrunk is looking to extend The Drowned Man's run to the end of 2014. I hope this happens, I couldn't recommend it more!

Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

andrew@westendframe.com

Related

Interview with Emma Hatton

5* review of Wicked

Mamma Mia interviews with Dianne Pilkington, Oliver Tilney and Dickie Wood.

5* review of Mamma Mia

Photo Credit 1: Simon Annand
Photo Credit 2: Brinkhoff/Mögenburg
Photo Credit 3: Birgit Ralf

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