Editor's Blog: "Keep supporting theatre, it's where we still have magic!"

Michael Xavier & Joanna Riding
Photo Credit:  Tristram Kenton

The last few weeks have been a little quieter in terms of openings so I've had the chance to catch up with some new faces in familiar shows.

Last week I saw Gary Wilmot in The Pajama Game at the Shaftesbury Theatre who has taken over from Peter Polycarpou as Vernon Hines. It was fantastic to see how Wilmot has put his own stamp on the role, performing with great charm and striking stage presence. The Pajama Game is such a fun show and I enjoyed it even more second time round.

Joanna Riding continues to shine as Babe whilst relishing every moment. Michael Xavier was unwell meaning Understudy of the Year nominee Dan Burton stepped into the role of Sid. Burton played the part very differently but is equally as strong as Xavier. He really stood out for being an incredible dancer and belted out a tremendous rendition of 'Hey There'.

Those thinking of booking a trip to see The Pajama Game must sort out their tickets soon as the musical's limited run ends on Saturday 13th September 2014 to make way for the West End premiere of Memphis starring Beverley Knight (more on her shortly!).

Last week I finally caught up with Imelda Staunton's phenomenal performance in Good People at the Noel Coward Theatre. The play, which transferred to the West End from the Hampstead Theatre and closes tomorrow, gets off to a slow start. The first act is good, whilst the second half is hysterically funny yet also very moving. Staunton doesn't leave the stage at all throughout the play's entirety but showed no sign of tiredness; she gives the performance of a lifetime! I'm now even more excited to see her star in Chichester’s production of Gypsy later this year!

Last week I also used another night off from reviewing to attend the final performance of In The Heights at the Southwark Playhouse. The atmosphere inside the intimate theatre was electrifying; I don't think I've ever felt so much love, passion and respect from an audience. For an uplifting show, In The Heights is surprisingly emotional.

The cast of In The Heights, Photo Credit: Robert Workman

The production's choreographer, Drew McOnie, received huge praise for his work on the show. During the interval the man next to me sat in disbelief, trying to digest the choreography with his partner. He said something along the lines of, "I could tell what every single character was thinking and feeling throughout every single moment of every single dance number. It's not like normal musical theatre choreography." He certainly hit the nail on the head.

The last few months have been particularly exciting for McOnie. His work on Chicago, Drunk and In The Heights have proven him to be one of the most consistent and diverse choreographers we have working in British theatre. The ideas and vision behind his revolutionary choreography create something brand new on stage. The amount of detail injected into McOnie’s work shows promising signs of him also making a formidable director. Many compare him to Matthew Bourne, but I wouldn't be surprised if in ten years’ time we are referring to Drew McOnie as the new Jerry Mitchell.

Ruthie Henshall & Matteo Zecca
Photo Credit: Alastair Muir

There isn't a word to describe the performances that the In The Heights cast gave on their final night. It was inspiring to see how Emma Kingston’s portrayal of Vanessa had really grown, her vocals particularly stood out. However, the star of the show was Victoria Hamilton-Barritt who performed for her life! Somebody needs to give her an Olivier Award immediately. This simply cannot be the last we see of In The Heights, it would be criminal to let such a diverse, fresh and important show slip through the net.

Earlier this week I saw theatrical legend Ruthie Henshall in her West End return as Mrs Wilkinson in Billy Elliot. The production continues to go strong at the Victoria Palace Theatre where a special performance will be broadcast live in over 300 cinemas across the UK and around the world in September. A true leading lady, Henshall leads the company with pizzazz. It was also remarkable to see Deka Walmsley giving such a fresh performance as Billy's Dad. 

At the end of last month I headed to the Adelphi Theatre to catch Beverley Knight's final performance as Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard. After reviewing Knight's media night last October I knew I had to see her again. Last year I was absolutely blown away by every element of her performance, but her last show was something else. It is certainly one of the best performances of a show I have ever seen in my life. (A special mention must go to understudy Stuart Reid who gave a strong performance as Frank Farmer, the karaoke scene was hysterical!)

The highlights of the evening included 'Run To You' (a duet Rachel sings with her sister, played by the wonderful Carole Stennett), 'I Have Nothing' (during which Knight totally let go and gave everything she had) and the recording studio section of 'All the Man That I Need' (I'm still recovering from the insane riffs and growls).

Beverley Knight in The Bodyguard, Photo Credit: Paul Coltas

Knight's rendition of ‘I Will Always Love You’ was incredibly emotional. Just as she reached the final line she paused for a breath after singing “will always…” and, before she had a chance to sing the final two words, the entire audience began applauding. After several minutes of screaming, every single person on every level of the Adelphi Theatre jumped to their feet. I've only ever witnessed a handful of mid-show standing ovations, but this was the very first time I've ever seen a mid-song standing ovation - it was absolutely crazy! After wiping away a few tears, Knight regained control with a simple arm raise (if she hadn't done so we'd probably all still be standing there now) before finishing the final few lyrics. 

Knight's final speech after the bows was particularly moving. The cast were clearly devastated she was leaving. Knight was emotional but spoke beautifully, thanking the entire cast (including her fantastic understudy, Joelle Moses) and team who work on the show. She has clearly fallen in love with the West End, ending her speech with the words, "Keep supporting theatre, it's where we still have magic."

Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

Read our reviews of The Pajama Game and In The Heights. X Factor winner Alexandra Burke has taken over from Beverley Knight in The Bodyguard, click here to read our review of her performance. Have a read of our interviews with Drew McOnie, Victoria Hamilton-Barritt and Ruthie Henshall.