Review: The Sound of Music at the Leicester Curve Theatre

The Sound of Music
Leicester Curve Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 3rd December 2014
★★★★

Marking Paul Kerryson's final show as Artistic Director of the Curve, The Sound of Music is absolutely glorious. It is visually stunning, the score is sounding better than ever and the cast bring something new to the piece.

Big Interview: Laura Pitt-Pulford

2014 has been quite a year for Laura Pitt-Pulford. After starring in the The Light Princess at the National Theatre she went on to win rave reviews for her performances in Marry Me A Little (St James Studio) and The Return of the Solider (Jermyn Street).

Laura is currently starring as Maria in The Sound of Music at the Leicester Curve Theatre. She returns to the Curve having played Irene Molloy in Hello, Dolly! and Toine in Piaf.

The Sound of Music opens on 3rd December (previews from 28th November) and runs until 17th January. Paul Kerryson directs, marking his final show as artistic director of the Curve, with choreography from Drew McOnie.

Just a few of Laura’s other theatre credits include: A Man of No Importance (Salisbury Playhouse), Mack and Mabel and Parade (Southwark Playhouse), title role in Sweet Charity (Belfast MAC), The Little Prince (Lyric Belfast), Guys and Dolls (the Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich, Clwyd Theatre and Salisbury Playhouse) and Copacabana (Watermill Theatre, Newbury).

I recently spoke to Laura about why she’s so thrilled to be playing Maria, her whirlwind year and why she’s yodelling on the bus… 

Roles don’t come more iconic than Maria! Was the part always on your list of dream roles?

It has always been on my dream list, I think it’s probably on most girls lists [laughs]. I used to watch the film all the time with my mum and knew it inside out. I always wanted to play Maria but never thought it would happen! I saw the Palladium production and then the one at Regent’s Park and they were both fantastic in their own way. So when I was asked to do this I was a bit like, ‘Wow! Yes please!’ It’s one of those roles that you want to be able to put your own stamp on. I’m really looking forward to finding my Maria.

Review: Hairspray at the Leicester Curve Theatre

Hairspray
Leicester Curve Theatre
Reviewed on Saturday 22nd March

It's funny to think that Hairspray only premiered on Broadway in 2002 as it feels like one of those classic musicals which has been around since time began. Following its Olivier Award winning West End run, Hairspray has toured the UK several times, but now a brand new production has been staged at the renowned Leicester Curve Theatre.

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.

Paul Kerryson to step down as Artistic Director of the Leicester Curve

Paul Kerryson has announced he is to step down as Artistic Director of the Curve Theatre, Leicester in December 2014.

Paul Kerryson said: "On the occasion of Curve's 5th birthday I would like to announce that I will be leaving Curve as Artistic Director at the end of next year, December 2014. It has been a privilege to have played a part in the artistic vision and creation of Curve and then the incredibly exciting first five years."

He continued to say: "It now feels an appropriate moment to hand on the baton to a new artistic leader who will not only have the most wonderful facility in the heart of the culturally dynamic city of Leicester, but will also have the support of a great theatre team led by Chief Executive, Fiona Allan. I would like to thank the Leicester Theatre Trust, Leicester City Council and the Arts Council for their continued and invaluable support over many years, and of course, all the artists and audiences who have made it all possible. So, as Velma Kelly confidently states in our current musical success, Chicago - ‘My exit music please!’"