Les Misérables at The Queen's Theatre

I saw the movie, now it was time to see the musical live on stage. On Thursday 14th March 2013 I travelled to London to see Les Misérables at The Queen's Theatre in London's West End. Seen by more than 65 million people in 42 countries and in 22 languages around the globe, it is still breaking box-office records everywhere in its 28th year.

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Ex-convict Jean Valjean is hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever. Featuring the songs I Dreamed A Dream, Bring Him Home, One Day More and On My Own. Les Misérables is the show of shows and is now a major motion picture.

The musical by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg is based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It was first performed at The Barbican Theatre in 1985. Produced by Cameron Mackintosh, Les Misérables exams the nature of law and grace, the story elaborates upon the history of France, the architecture and urban design of Paris, politics, moral philosophy, antimonarchism, justice, religion, and the types and nature of romantic and familial love.

It was a wonderful evening at a packed Queen's Theatre as I dreamed a dream. I loved the movie and I now love the stage version. At the end of the day this was a night I will never forget. They are Les Misérables, the outcasts, the underdogs.

Giants in the Sky at Norwich Assembly House

On Friday 24th February 2012 I attended the latest concert in the UEA School of Music concerts in the Music at One Series at Norwich Assembly House. The concert featured Ellen-May Shipp - Soprano, Alison Lincoln - piano and Meredydd Cheeseman - Bass/Baritone.

The programme consisted of Vergebliches Standchen - Brahms, La Zingara - Donizetti, Du Bist wie eine Blume - Schumann, Standchen - Schumann, Lost Is My Quiet - Purcell, All I Ask Of You - Lloyd-Webber, Stars - Schonberg, Giants In The Sky - Sondheim, Something's Coming - Bernstein, It Was A Lover And His Lass - Finzi and The Vagabond - Williams.

This was a wonderful way to spend a Friday lunchtime at this historic Norwich building full of splendid singing that lifted the spirits of everyone in attendance. There are giants in the sky from the musical Into The Woods composed by Stephen Sondheim was one of the highlights.  Dreams full of fairy tales are made from music that inspires to brighten all our lives.

Cleopatra Queen of the Nile

I made my way to Norwich Theatre Royal on Thursday evening to attend the Northern Ballet's performance of Cleopatra with great excitement. Created by David Nixon with music composed by Claude-Michel Schonberg the ballet is inspired by the Queen of the Nile.

The Ballet is a historical retelling of Cleopatra's life from her chanting to the God Wadjet who reveals a golden throne that is the throne of the Egyptian Pharaohs.

In Act 1 it is Cleopatra's wedding to Ptolemy. It is clear there will be no sharing of power and with the help of her handmaidens Cleopatra drowns Ptolemy while he bathes and sits on the throne alone. The Romans arrive in Egypt and Caesar embarks on a long Nile cruise with the Queen and ultimately the child Caesarion is born. Caesar returns to Rome with Cleopatra and Caesarion but in time the political situation changes and Caesar is killed and Cleopatra returns to Egypt.

In Act 11 The Romans return led by Mark Antony who cannot resist Cleopatra. Octavian and Mark Antony's wife Octavia watch his actions and Octavia is sent to Egypt to bring her husband but she returns home empty handed. Octavian rushes to Egypt with his army which leads to Mark Antony dying in Cleopatra's arms. In the final scene Cleopatra is face to face with Wadjet pulling a snake closer to herself but he pulls back. Unable to resist he plunges venom into her and as she dies the gods extend their arms and Cleopatra ascends to her destiny.

The Ballet had great choreography and is a visual triumph. I greatly enjoyed the music that gave a great atmosphere for the dancers to perform this epic story. Dramatic and stunning Cleopatra is a brilliant production that the Northern Ballet can be very proud of. It was splendid to be able to witness this all at Norwich Theatre Royal.