Album Review: The Light Princess Original Cast Recording

The Light Princess (Original Cast Recording)

Mercury Classics

Released on Friday 9th October 2015

★★★★

Marking two years since Tori Amos and Samuel Adamson's musical The Light Princess premiered at the National Theatre, Amos has reunited the original company to release a cast album. I have fond memories of being swept away by the production; not only was it visually breathtaking and courageously creative, but I adored Amos' score which captures the beauty of the sweetest fairy tale as well as the pain of the darkest nightmare.

Review: The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 and ¾ at the Leicester Curve Theatre

The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 and ¾

Leicester Curve Theatre

Reviewed on Tuesday 17th March 2015
★★★★

Restoring my faith in new British musical theatre, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 and ¾ is a clever and quirky show with a massive heart. Based on Sue Townsend’s novel, the show follows Adrian Mole's day to day life over the course of a year as he enters adolescent life.

It is a relief to see a new British musical taking stylistic risks which pay off beautifully. Luke Sheppard's production is creative and I adored its style. The small cast work tremendously hard, doubling up as characters of all ages, bringing some fun theatrical humour.

Interview: Amy Booth-Steel

Amy Booth-Steel is currently preparing to star as Joyce Chilvers in the UK Tour of Betty Blue Eyes.

Betty Blue Eyes opens on Friday 14th March at the Mercury Theatre before embarking on a 5 month tour across England in a new co-production between Mercury Theatre Colchester, Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse, Salisbury Playhouse and West Yorkshire Playhouse.

Amy, who finished twelfth in BBC Talent show I’d Do Anything, was involved in the original workshop stages of Tori Amos’ debut musical, The Light Princess and went on to play Piper in the show’s recent run at the National Theatre. 

Amy’s theatre credits also include Dolly in One Man Two Guvnors (UK Tour), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Watermill), She Stoops To Conquer (National), Ex (Soho), RSC 50th Birthday Celebrations, Swallows and Amazons (Bristol Old Vic), Sister Act (London Palladium) and The Sound Of Music (London Palladium).

Recently I spoke to Amy during a break from rehearsals about the all-new production of Betty Blue Eyes, starring in The Light Princess and how I’d Do Anything led to her association with the National Theatre…

How much did you know about Betty Blue Eyes prior to your involvement in this new touring production?

I had seen the show in the West End and thought it was absolutely amazing and was sad when it didn’t continue. I thought it was brilliant when I found out it had a new life! The score and the story are so lovely, it’s so nice that it is carrying on!