Panto Review: Sam Bailey stars in Dick Whittington at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre

Dick Whittington 
Aylesbury Waterside Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 14th December 2015
★★★

Marking my only traditional pantomime of the season, Dick Whittington at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre is enjoyable for those wanting a fun family outing. 

Review: Sam Bailey Live at the Lyric Theatre

Sam Bailey Live
Lyric Theatre
Reviewed on Monday 12th October 2015
★★★★

Since winning The X Factor two years ago, Sam Bailey has enjoyed a varied career. As well as topping the UK singles and album charts, Bailey has toured the UK, released her autobiography and dabbled in presenting. Now the singer has turned her attention to the world of musical theatre. As a self-confessed super fan of blockbuster musicals such as Les Miserables and Wicked, Bailey took to the West End's Lyric Theatre to show her dedicated supporters and casting directors a different side to her talents.

Big Interview: Sam Bailey

Sam Bailey shot to fame when she won the tenth series of The X Factor in 2013.

Not only did her debut single ‘Skyscraper’ become that year’s Christmas number one, but Sam went on to support Beyoncé, headline The X Factor Arena Tour, write an autobiography entitled Daring to Dream and release her first album The Power of Love which topped the charts. 

Recently Sam has turned her attention to the world of musical theatre. Earlier this year she made a surprise appearance at Scott Alan’s London concert to perform ‘Anything Worth On To’. This Christmas she will appear in pantomime at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, starring as Fairy Bowbells in Dick Whittington.

Sam is currently preparing to play a one off West End concert at the Lyric Theatre on 12th October 2015. Directed by Katie Pesskin with musical direction by Michael Riley, the show will see Sam celebrate her love for musical theatre with some very exciting guests including Collabro, Michael Xavier, Scott Alan, Boys of the Barricade, Jaymi Hensley and Caroline Sheen.

I recently spoke to Sam about why she wants to celebrate musical theatre, what shows she’s seen recently, snogging Michael Xavier, meeting Scott Alan and venturing into the world of panto…

You’ve said this concert is completely out of your comfort zone but also something you’ve wanted to do for a while. Why did you decide the time was right now?

Musical theatre has always been a sense of relief for me because I started going up to London to see shows whenever I had any time off. I’ve become a massive fan! Coming off The X Factor, the window of opportunity for me was great. Not anyone can walk up to a theatre in London and say, “I want to put a show on” because no one would probably turn up… hopefully people will turn up to my one [laughs]. 

Sam Bailey announces special guests for West End concert

Sam Bailey has announced special guests for her upcoming West End concert at the Lyric Theatre on 12th October 2015.

The X Factor winner will be joined by BGT winners Collabro, leading man Michael Xavier, U.S. composer Scott Alan, musical theatre supergroup Boys of the Barricade and a choir from GSA for an evening of musical theatre.

UPDATE (25th Sept): Union J's Jaymi Hensley and West End leading lady Caroline Sheen complete the line-up.

The show is produced and directed by Katie Pesskin with musical direction by Michael Riley. 

Sam Bailey to play the West End's Lyric Theatre

X Factor winner Sam Bailey will play the West End's Lyric Theatre for one night only on 12th October 2015 (tickets on sale from 10am on 22nd June). 

Bailey will be joined by special guests to perform an evening of musical theatre. The show is produced and directed by Katie Pesskin with musical direction by Michael Riley.

Bailey said: "I can't wait to take the stage in London's incredible West End and have the chance to perform some of my favourite musical theatre numbers. It's going to be a fantastic night with a few surprises for the audience."

Photo Feature: Special guests join Scott Alan for St James Theatre concert

Last Sunday (3rd May 2015) U.S. composer Scott Alan returned to London with a concert at the St James Theatre. Check out pictures from the show below (click image to enlarge).

The stellar line-up included the likes of Cynthia Erivo, Oliver Tompsett, Anna-Jane Casey, Sophie Evans, Carley Stenson, Harriet Jones, Zoë Birkett, Eva Noblezada, Emmi Christensson, Lucy Jones, Katie Paine, Oliver Savile, Danny-Boy Hatchard and Sam Bailey. 

Sam Bailey to make pantomime debut as Fairy Bowbells in Dick Whittington

It has been announced that 2013 X Factor winner Sam Bailey will make her pantomime debut as Fairy Bowbells in Dick Whittington at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre this Christmas.

The production runs between 11th December and 3rd January 2015.

As well as topping the charts with 'Skyscraper', Bailey has supported Beyonce on her UK tour, had her own number one album, live tour and released an autobiography. 

Bailey said: "I am so excited to be appearing in pantomime for the first time. I love performing in front of a live audience and to see people of all ages having a wonderful time over Christmas is going to be brilliant. I know my kids will love seeing their Mummy dressed up in the sparkly costume, and I can’t wait to try my fairy wings on! It’s going to be so much fun!"