Priscilla Queen of the Desert at Norwich Theatre Royal

On the evening of Wednesday 4th December 2013 I attended the performance of Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical at Norwich Theatre Royal. Direct from the West End and Broadway this feel good international hit sensation guaranteed a good time for all.

Winner of 4 WhatsOnStage.com awards, including Best New Musical, and based on the smash-hit movie, Priscilla is the heart warming, uplifting adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship and end up finding more than they had ever dreamed of. Priscilla was full of a dazzling array of outrageous Olivier and Tony award-winning costumes and a hit parade of dance floor favourites including It’s Raining Men, I Will Survive, Hot Stuff, Finally, Boogie Wonderland, Go West, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, and I Love The Nightlife.

Jason Donovan as Tick, Richard Grieve as Bernadette and Graham Weaver as Felicia were all brilliant as we were transported to the desert and a trip to Alice Springs. This was a night of great fun Norwich Theatre Royal which I greatly enjoyed.

Hairspray at Norwich Theatre Royal

On the evening of Wednesday 25th September 2013 I attended the performance of Hairspray at Norwich Theatre Royal. This is the big hit musical with big hair and a big heart. A show to enjoy and be happy.

Hairspray tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart as she sets out to follow her extraordinary dreams, inspire her mum and win the boy she loves. This ultimate feel good show is packed with uplifting songs, breathtaking choreography, 60's inspired costumes and the most incredible array of wigs you will ever see.

There were fantastic performances from Mark Benton, Lucy Benjamin, Marcus Collins and Freya Sutton who starred as big hearted, big haired teen heroine Tracy Turnblad. Good morning Baltimore. Every day's like an open door, every night is a fantasy, every sound's like a symphony. Good morning Baltimore and some day when I take to the floor the world's gonna wake up and see Baltimore and me.

This was a fantastic night at Norwich Theatre Royal as we were taken to Baltimore in the 60's and given a brilliant feel good show that put lots of smiles on faces at a packed Norwich Theatre Royal. Hairspray is the most happy, funny, sunny show in town.

Evita at Norwich Theatre Royal

On the afternoon of Saturday 27th July 2013 I attended the matinee performance of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Evita at Norwich Theatre Royal. Bringing to life the dynamic, larger than life persona of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron, Evita tells the story from her young and ambitious beginnings to the enormous wealth and power she gained and her ultimate rise to sainthood.

This fantastic performance of Evita starred Marti Pellow as Che, Madalena Alberto as Eva and Mark Heenehan as Peron. We were treated to all the musical numbers including Oh What a Circus, Another Suitcase in Another Hall and Don't Cry For Me Argentina. Evita has more than twenty major awards to its credit and was always going to be one of the highlights of the year at Norwich Theatre Royal.

In a cinema in Buenos Aires in 1952, the film is interrupted by a news announcement: Eva Peron, the thirty-three-year-old wife of Argentina’s President Juan Peron, has died. In flashback, we see scenes from Eva’s extraordinary life. Born Eva Duarte, the youngest of five children of a single mother, she escapes her origins in the small town of Junín and heads for the bright lights of Buenos Aires, where she works  her way to a career as a radio actress and film starlet before becoming first the mistress and then the wife of Juan Peron, soon to be president of Argentina.

Adored by the common people, who affectionately call her Evita - Little Eva, she is regarded with suspicion by the military and social elite. Sceptical too is the figure of Che, who acts as a narrator and commentator throughout this remarkable story of a woman who rose to become the spiritual leader of her nation.

This was a brilliant afternoon to be at Norwich Theatre Royal as the story of Evita took us on an emotional journey full of passion and style. The drama and music of Evita are very compelling and intense. This was a show to remember that thrilled a full Norwich Theatre Royal and received loud applause at the end of the performance.

High Society at Norwich Theatre Royal

On Monday 1st July 2013 I attended the evening performance of Cole Porter's High Society at Norwich Theatre Royal. High Society has been adapted from the hit 1956 film, which starred screen legends Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra. I went to Norwich Theatre Royal prepared for a glorious night of vintage Hollywood.

Wealthy socialite Tracy Lord is in the midst of planning a lavish summer wedding when her ex-husband Dexter Haven turns up to disrupt the proceedings in an attempt to try and win her back. A further twist arrives in the form of charming reporter Mike Connor who falls instantly for Tracy, and she for him. As the day of the wedding draws closer we’re left guessing which groom the bride will choose.

There were amazing performances from Michael Praed as Dexter Haven and Sophie Bould as Tracy Lord on a night that brought us a number of beautiful ballads including True Love, You're Sensational and Well, Did You Evah! This was a glorious night at Norwich Theatre Royal as we were treated to a night of sparkling glamour.

The Rocky Horror Show at Norwich Theatre Royal

On Tuesday 4th June 2013 I attended Richard O'Brien's Rocky Horror Show at Norwich Theatre Royal. This was an all new 40th anniversary party production of the rock n roll musical. It was a night full of fun, frolics and frivolity. Lots of the audience had dressed up for the show, helping to turn the Rocky Horror Show into a non-stop party.

The Rocky Horror Show is a humorous tribute to science fiction and horror B movies, the musical tells the story of a newly engaged couple getting caught in a storm and coming to the home of a mad transvestite scientist unveiling his new creation, a muscle man named Rocky Horror. Squeaky clean sweethearts Brad and Janet are on an adventure they'll never forget as they meet Frank n Furter and Magenta.

There were brilliant performances from Oliver Thornton as Frank n Furter, Abigail Jaye as Magenta, Dani Harmer as Janet, Sam Attwater as Brad and Henry Davis as Rocky. Philip Franks was a fantastic narrator. The Rocky Horror Show is bursting at the seams with timeless classics including Sweet Transvestite, Damn it Janet and Time Warp.

We all had the rockiest ride of our lives at Norwich Theatre Royal and it was great fun doing the Time Warp again and again. The Rocky Horror Show is an opportunity to have a great time and lose your inhibitions. Don't dream it, be it.

Jersey Boys at Prince Edward Theatre

On Saturday 13th April 2013 I made another trip to London. During the afternoon I attended the matinee performance of Jersey Boys at Prince Edward Theatre in the West End. This internationally acclaimed hit musical, tells the remarkable rise to stardom of one of the most successful bands in pop history.

It tells how four New Jersey boys from the wrong side of the tracks invented their own unique sound, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and sold 100 million records worldwide. With spectacular performances of all their hits, Jersey Boys is the electrifying true life story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons; the mob, the heartaches, the triumphs and the music.

It was an afternoon that delivered all of the Four Seasons hits including Beggin', Can't Take My Eyes Off You, Oh What A Night, Walk Like A Man, Bye Bye Baby (Baby Goodbye), Sherry and Big Girls Don't Cry. This musical takes the music of the group and combines it with their story. This makes for a gritty and interesting show and on top of that you get all of the songs. Oh what a night. Late December back in '63. What a very special time for me. As I remember, what a night.

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.

9 to 5 what a way to make a living!

On the evening of Thursday 28th February 2013 I attended 9 to 5 The Musical at Norwich Theatre Royal. This is the hilarious new musical comedy based on the hit movie, that centres on three office workers who turn the tables on their sexist boss, and features original numbers from Dolly Parton’s Oscar, Tony® and Grammy Award nominated score including Backwoods Barbie, Shine Like the Sun and, of course, the hit song 9 to 5.

This was a fun night at Norwich Theatre Royal as we were taken back to 1979 when attitudes and office work were different from the present day. This was the days before the internet and an office where the old boy's network came to the fore. On stage Mark Moraghan, Jackie Clune, Natalie Casey, Amy Lennox and Bonnie Langford performed brilliantly and we also had Dolly Parton on a video screen reminding us that working 9 to 5 was all taking and no giving. They just use your mind and they never give you credit. Its enough to drive you crazy if you let it.

9 to 5 what a way to make a living. 9 to 5 what a way to spend an evening at Norwich Theatre Royal. It was a night bringing back memories of the 1980 film version of 9 to 5 starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. 9 to 5, for service and devotion. You would think that I would deserve a fair promotion.

Sweeney Todd at Norwich Theatre Royal

On the evening of Wednesday 6th February 2013 I attended the Norfolk and Norwich Operatic Society's performance of Sweeney Todd at Norwich Theatre Royal. Stephen Sondheim’s award-winning musical thriller came to the Theatre Royal in a double first. It was the first large-scale production of the musical at the Theatre Royal and Ray Jeffery’s award winning production was the first Sondheim musical to be produced by the Norfolk and Norwich Operatic Society.

Often regarded as Sondheim’s masterpiece of musical theatre, this musical thriller, first produced on Broadway in 1979, tells the story of Benjamin Barker, alias Sweeney Todd, who returns to London after 15 years' transportation on trumped-up charges. He seeks vengeance against his accusers, teams up with a piemaker, Mrs. Lovett, and opens a barbershop above her pie shop. The one thing different about Todd’s barbershop, however, is that no one who walks in for a shave is ever seen again.

Our suspense was held throughout as the 23 piece live orchestra played the magnificent score while on stage the Norfolk and Norwich Operatic Society brought us Sondheim's comic turns and love songs which made this a night to remember. The show moved and thrilled us as The Demon Barber of Fleet Street who first appeared as a Victorian penny dreadful comic story ensured we will be thinking twice before going to the barber's in the near future.

Kiss Me Kate at The Old Vic

On the evening of Saturday 19th January 2013 I made my way from London's West End across the River Thames to Waterloo Station and then onto The Old Vic Theatre for the evening performance of the dazzling multi award-winning classic Broadway musical Kiss Me, Kate. This glittering new production, directed by Trevor Nunn, starred Christopher Dickins, David Burt, Adam Garcia, Clive Rowe and Hannah Waddingham. The Chichester Festival Theatre's 2012 revival of the show transferred to the Old Vic Theatre in November 2012, with an official opening in December. The show has received positive reviews from critics and audiences.

Kiss Me, Kate is a musical with music and lyrics by Cole Porter. The story involves the production of a musical version of William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew and the conflict on and off-stage between Fred Graham, the show's director, producer, and star, and his leading lady, his ex-wife Lilli Vanessi. A secondary romance concerns Lois Lane, the actress playing Bianca, and her gambler boyfriend, Bill, who runs afoul with some gangsters.

Kiss Me, Kate is full of wonderful songs throughout the show. The songs in Act I are "Another Op'nin', Another Show" – Hattie and Company, "Why Can't You Behave?" – Lois Lane and Bill Calhoun, "Wunderbar" – Fred Graham and Lilli Vanessi, "So in Love" – Lilli Vanessi, "We Open in Venice" – Fred Graham, Lilli Vanessi, Lois Lane and Bill Calhoun, "Tom, Dick or Harry" – Bianca, Lucentio, Gremio and Hortensio, "I've Come to Wive it Wealthily in Padua" – Fred Graham and The Men, "I Hate Men" – Lilli Vanessi, "Were Thine That Special Face" – Fred Graham, "We Sing of Love (Cantiamo D'Amore)" – Lois Lane, Bill Calhoun and Ensemble and "Kiss Me, Kate" – Fred Graham, Lili Vanessi and Ensemble.

In Act II the songs are Too Darn Hot" – Paul and Ensemble, "Where is the Life That Late I Led?" – Fred Graham, "Always True to You in My Fashion" – Lois Lane, "From This Moment On" – Harrison Howell and Lilli Vanessi, "Bianca" – Bill Calhoun and Company, "So in Love" (Reprise) – Fred Graham, "Brush Up Your Shakespeare" – First Gangster and Second Gangster, "I Am Ashamed That Women Are So Simple" – Lilli Vanessi and "Kiss Me, Kate" (Reprise = Finale) – Company.

The Old Vic was established in 1818 as the Royal Coburg Theatre, it was taken over by Emma Cons in 1880 when it was known formally as the Royal Victoria Hall. In 1898, a niece of Cons, Lilian Baylis assumed management and began a series of Shakespeare productions in 1914. The building was damaged in 1940 during air raids and it became a Grade II listed building in 1951 after it reopened.

It was also the name of a repertory company that was based at the theatre. The company formed the core of the National Theatre of Great Britain on its formation in 1963, under Laurence Olivier. The National Theatre remained at the Old Vic until new premises were constructed on the South Bank, opening in 1976. It underwent complete refurbishment in 1985. In 2003 Kevin Spacey was appointed as new artistic director of the Old Vic Theatre Company which received considerable media attention.

It was an amazing experience to visit The Old Vic and attend such a wonderful show as Kiss Me, Kate. This Theatre is full of history and such a beautiful building and was the perfect place to enjoy such a brilliant musical. There was a capacity audience on the night who were entertained for three hours with a splendid  performance from all the cast which included lots of laughs on the way. I really enjoyed all the great songs which made this truly a night to remember.

Viva Forever! at the Piccadilly Theatre

On Saturday 19th January 2013 I caught the National Express coach to London for a journey through the snow for a day in the West End. My first show of the day was the matinee performance of Viva Forever! at the Piccadilly Theatre which is wowing audiences with its clever mix of classic Spice Girls hits combined with Jennifer Saunders' irresistibly funny story.

Bringing some much needed spice to the West End, the show charts the journey of a girl and the people around her she loves, as she's propelled into the superficial world of Starmaker a TV talent show that offers the fame and fortune she thinks she craves. But life in the spotlight isn't everything it's cracked up to be, for the contestants, their families or even those who have the deciding votes.

This wonderful musical includes the hit songs Stop, Say You'll Be There, 2 Become 1 and many more Spice Girls classics which ensured that Viva Forever!hit all the high notes for a fabulous time in the West End. The Piccadilly Theatre was the place to spice up your life as this exhilarating new musical that celebrates love, friendship and just being who you really, really wanna be made this a fun afternoon for a capacity audience.

The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre

On Saturday 29th December 2012 I attended the matinee performance of The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre in London's West End. This incredible musical from Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber is based on the novel Le Fantome de l'Opera by Gaston Leroux.

The Phantom of the Opera opens in Paris in 1911 at an auctioning of the contents of the Paris Opera House. The contents include a fabulous chandelier in which the auctioneer proceeds to tell the story of the legend of the Phantom of the Opera. Suddenly you are transported back a time when the Paris Opera House was at the height of its powers.

At that time, the opera house is, claimed by many, to be inhabited by a ghost. If this ghost is in anyway offended or annoyed then he will cause mayhem in the opera house. The ghost or phantom then decides to help a lowly chorus girl, Christine Daae by giving her music lessons through the wall of her dressing room. He pretends to be the spirit of her dead father and as a result of this she becomes a talented singer who is then thrust into the limelight.

This phantom worships Christine and is determined to make her a star. He demands that the opera house management cast her in a starring role in the new opera Il Muto but the manager, Raoul refuses to do so. As a result of this the phantom, angered by this refusal decides to cause chaos in the opera house. He is chased but manages to evade capture by causing a fabulous chandelier to crash to the ground.

Later on, we see the Grand Masquerade Ball. Six months have passed since the Phantom’s last appearance and people have started to think that he has gone forever. In that time, Raoul and Christine have become engaged which causes the Phantom to return in a fit of jealous rage.

He makes new demands of the management and tries to win back the affection of Christine but she is committed to Raoul who she loves deeply. In a confrontation, the Phantom demands that Christine comes back to him or Raoul will die.

There were brilliant performances from Marcus Lovett as The Phantom, Sofia Escobar as Christine Daae and Simon Thomas as Raoul as a packed Her Majesty's Theatre enjoyed a Christmas treat in London's West End. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s mesmerising score along with the fantastic scenery and breathtaking special effects, magically combined to bring this tragic love story to life.

Matilda The Musical brings fun to the West End

I was back in London's West End on Sunday 25th November 2012 when I attended the matinee performance of Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre. This musical was written by Dennis Kelly with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin. There was a wonderful atmosphere at a sold out theatre to see this winner of a record-breaking seven Olivier Awards in 2012, the show has also won five Best Musical awards since its opening when it received 5-star reviews across the board.

Roald Dahl's much-loved story of Matilda bursts into life on stage in this brand new musical version where children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination. Matilda's parents think she is a nuisance and she thinks, quite rightly, they are only interested in watching telly. Life is not much better at school, where the monstrous headmistress Miss Trunchbull terrifies both students and teachers alike. Then one day Matilda discovers she has a very special power and decides it's time the grown-ups were taught a lesson. Be warned, the children are revolting...

This is a fun musical with lots of catchy songs like Naughty, When I Grow Up, The Smell of Rebellion and Revolting Children. There was lots of action on stage as the magic of Roald Dahl was brought to life. This is a story of standing up to bullying by rebellion and protest. Everyone in the audience and on stage had a great time with included lots of laughs for all ages.

Dreamboats and Petticoats at Ipswich Regent

On Saturday 10th November 2012 I caught the train to Ipswich to attend the matinee performance of Dreamboats and Petticoats at Ipswich Regent Theatre. This is a jukebox musical built around songs from the late 1950's and early 1960's. A brilliant feelgood show. Bobby and Laura were played by Scott Haining and Elizabeth Carter.

It's 1961, where Bobby, an awkward but talented teenager, is auditioning for a band at the local Youth Club. He almost gets the part, but is edged out by a last minute arrival to the auditions: the cool and confident Norman. The teenagers that hang out at Youth Club all know each other, even if they're not necessarily friends. These teens include Bobby and his best friend Ray, Ray's younger sister Laura who has a crush on Bobby, cool girl Sue whom Bobby has a crush on, and Donna, who is Sue's friend.

Bobby's father announces that the Youth Club association is holding the first National song writing competition. Bobby and Laura, who have similar tastes in music, agree to write a song together. At first they make some progress, with Bobby coming up with an idea and basic tune, which Laura takes on to expand into a full song. But Bobby then starts ignoring Laura when Sue, the girl he has a crush on, starts flirting with him. Laura warns Bobby that Sue is only pretending to be into him in order to make Norman jealous, but Bobby doesn't care.

The Youth Club are taken on a road trip to a local carnival, and there emotions run high. Ray and Donna get together and become a couple. Sue's plan to make Norman jealous works, and Norman takes her away to be alone. Bobby is crushed, and Laura tells him "I told you so". However, when the whole group gathers together at the end of night, Norman boasts to the others that he went "all the way" with Sue. Sue is enraged and humiliated, insisting that they only kissed. Bobby confronts Norman, insisting that he apologies to Sue. At first Norman refuses, so Bobby challenges Norman to an "official" fight in a ring, in which Bobby wins. Norman apologises to Sue, and Sue is ecstatically grateful to Bobby and happily becomes his girl.

Laura tries to remind Bobby about their songwriting commitment but to no avail, since all his time is dedicated to Sue. Norman is also being ignored by Sue, even after apologising and promising to become better. Norman then approaches Laura, both flirting with her with suggestions that what he really needs is a "good" girl, and that they should write a song together. Bobby is confused and upset when he hears about this from Ray, who also tells Bobby that Laura has had feelings for him for a long time. Bobby and Sue break up when Bobby accidentally causes Sue to fall out his bedroom window, but when he approaches Laura to reconcile, she claims that he only started to notice her because she's started dressing nicer and doing her hair.

Laura's 16th birthday party is held at the Youth Club. She and Sue decide to put the awkwardness between them to the past, and agree to be friends. Norman and Sue reconcile. Bobby and Laura confess their feelings in the locker room, admitting that they've each liked the other for a long time and didn't know what to do about it, and finally kiss.

News comes in from the songwriting competition. Bobby and Laura, who are a team again, have made it to the next round. Norman did not make the cut at all. It then jumps to the final National performance, where Bobby and Laura win with the results of the joint efforts, the pop song "Dreamboats and Petticoats".

It was a wonderful afternoon at Ipswich Regent Theatre as we were all treated to a load of great songs like Let's Dance, Dream Baby Dream, It's Only Make Believe, Great Pretender, Let's Twist Again and C'mon Everybody. At the end of the performance everyone was singing and dancing along to the songs as the Regent became one big celebration of the Sixties.

Joseph at Theatre Royal Nottingham

Thanks to East Midlands Trains I made the journey to Nottingham on Friday 26th October 2012 which included a visit to Theatre Royal Nottingham to attend a performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat starring Keith Jack as Joseph and Laura Ingram as the Narrator. This was a wonderful opportunity to see this Andrew Lloyd Webber Musical.

Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age, and he made a richly ornamented robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. Joseph had a dream and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more.

The Biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colours comes to vibrant life in this delightful musical parable. Joseph, his father's favourite son, is a boy blessed with prophetic dreams. When he is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt, Joseph endures a series of adventures in which his spirit and humanity are continually challenged. He is purchased by Potiphar where thwarting advances from Potiphar's wife lands him in jail. When news of Joseph's gift to interpret dreams reaches the Pharaoh (wryly and riotously depicted as Elvis), Joseph is well on his way to becoming second in command. Eventually his brothers, having suffered greatly, unknowingly find themselves groveling at the feet of the brother they betrayed but no longer recognise. After testing their integrity, Joseph reveals himself leading to a heartfelt reconciliation of the sons of Israel. Set to an engaging cornucopia of musical styles, from country-western and calypso to bubble-gum pop and rock 'n' roll, this Old Testament tale emerges both timely and timeless.

Any dream will do and I'm dreamed of seeing Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. My dream came true at Theatre Royal Nottingham where the cast put on a brilliant show full of many splendid songs including Jacob and Sons, One More Angel in Heaven and Go Go Go Joseph. This was a show of many colours and was full of fun. The audience was full of smiling faces as the magical of this musical spread throughout the whole theatre.

Then Joseph said to his brother, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. Tell my father about all the honour accorded me in Egypt and about everything you have seen. And bring my father down here quickly.” Joseph had his chariot made ready and went to Goshen to meet his father Israel. As soon as Joseph appeared before him, he threw his arms around his father and wept for a long time.

Tap dancing along 42nd Street

I made my way to 42nd Street on the evening of Thursday 11th October 2012 as the magic of Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble's tap dancing musical made it's way to Norwich Theatre Royal. With starring roles from Dave Willetts as Julian Marsh and Marti Webb as Dorothy Brock, this was a night of glamour no one wanted to miss. Jessica Punch played the role of Peggy Sawyer as we were taken to Broadway.

This musical is set in New York City and Philadelphia in 1933 telling the story of a humble, naive young actress named Peggy Sawyer who has come to audition for a new Broadway musical called Pretty Lady. Unfortunately, due to her nervousness, Peggy arrives to the audition late and misses her chance to join the chorus. Luckily, Peggy soon catches the eye of the famous director, Julian Marsh, and he gives Peggy her big break. However, the shows ageing leading lady, Dorothy Brock, quickly grows to dislike Peggy. On opening night, Ms. Brock falls and breaks her ankle. Panic spreads through the company, as the show is doomed for closure, until it is suggested that Peggy take the roll. In only thirty-six hours, Peggy learns twenty-five pages, six songs and ten dance numbers and becomes a star.

I loved the wonderful singing and dancing which made for a jolly good time with an uplifting feel good factor. 42nd Street is the ultimate backstage musical where dreams can come true. Peggy Sawyer grabbed the moment and became a big star. Brilliant songs like Keep Young and Beautiful, Lullaby of Broadway and I Only Have Eyes For You filled Norwich Theatre Royal. The tap dancing was a pleasure to watch and brought lots of fun to the production. My visit to 42nd Street was an awesome experience.

Grease is the Word!

I was looking for John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John on Grimwade Street on my way to the Ipswich Regent Theatre on Saturday 29th September 2012 but there was no need to worry if they didn't beat the traffic as Danny Bayne and Carina Gillespie made a brilliant Danny and Sandy. The venue was full of T Birds and Pink Ladies as we all went Greased Lightin'.

It's 1959 and Rydell High is filled with rebellious, thrill-loving students. In the midst of this scene, Sandy Dumbrowski enters as the new girl in school. It turns out that she and the leader of the Burger Palace Boys gang, Danny Zuko, have had a brief love affair the summer before. While Sandy stresses to her new classmates the emotional attachment she and Danny had, Danny stresses the physical aspects of their relationship. As the show goes on, the students at Rydell High have to deal with love, gang violence, teen pregnancy, and friendship. In the end, Sandy and Danny resolve their differences and end up happily together.

It was great fun at the Ipswich Regent Theatre as we were treated to all the wonderful songs from Grease including Grease Is The Word, Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin', Hopelessly Devoted To You and You're The One That I Want. There were lots of laughs and singing as we enrolled at Rydell High to become the latest intake of cats and chicks. Look at me I'm Sandra Dee. This was a celebration of the glory of Grease.

Mamma Mia here I go again!

On the morning of Saturday 22nd September 2012 I caught the train to London via Witham looking forward to being transported to a Greek Island in the West End that afternoon. I was on my way to see Mamma Mia! the smash hit musical based on the songs of Abba at the Novello Theatre.

Mamma Mia! tells the story of a young woman on a quest to find her real father. Sophie Sheridan is about to be married and desperately wants her father to give her away. Since her mother refuses to talk about the past, Sophie reads her mother’s diary and finds the contact information of three men that she had intimate encounters with. She invites each of the men to her wedding and they all come. Eventually, however, it is clear that Sophie’s paternity is undetermined. But everyone involved agrees that they want to be a part of Sophie’s life.

Every Abba song sounds magical so this was always going to be a wonderful experience in the West End. Judy Craymer has created a story with strong female characters that gives a big feel good factor. She asked Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson to take a chance on me and we are all glad they did. Chiquitita, Dancing Queen, Knowing Me, Knowing You and Money, Money, Money are all brilliant songs from Act One. In Act Two there's S.O.S., Super Trouper, Thank You For The Music and The Winner Takes It All bringing us more Abba magic. In total 22 Abba songs are performed during the show giving the audience a tremendously enjoyable time.

Life is a Cabaret!

On the evening of Thursday 20th September 2012 I attended the performance of Cabaret at Norwich Theatre Royal. This production starring Will Young as Emcee and Michelle Ryan as Sally Bowles which attracted a capacity audience to the Theatre Royal will be opening in the West End in October.With music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb Cabaret is a brilliant musical full of amazing songs. What good is sitting alone in your room? Come hear the music play. Life is a Cabaret, old chum, Come to the Cabaret.

Cabaret is set in Berlin in 1931. The Nazis are beginning their rise to power, and In the seedy Kit Kat Klub, young American writer Cliff Bradshaw is drawn into a poignant love affair with a 19-year-old English cabaret performer, Sally Bowles. The drama of their love plays out beneath the ever-present gaze of the mysterious Emcee of the Kit Kat Club, which serves as a symbol of the oppression and excess of Germany's Weimar Republic.

This has to be one of this year's highlights at Norwich Theatre Royal with both Will Young and Michelle Ryan putting on strong entertaining performances to make this a night to remember. Directed by Rufus Norris this revival of Cabaret was a spectacular stage show. The story maybe dark but the audience were completely captivated as Cabaret thrilled us all. Come to the Cabaret, it's divine decadence darling!

Dirty Dancing at Norwich Theatre Royal

On the evening of Monday 3rd September 2012 I attended Dirty Dancing at Norwich Theatre Royal as this classic story on stage continued it's first ever UK National Tour. It's the summer of 1963, and 17 year old Francis 'Baby' Houseman is about to learn some major lessons in life as well as a thing or two about dancing.

On holiday in New York's Catskill Mountains with her older sister and parents, 'Baby' shows little interest in the resort activities, and instead discovers her own entertainment when she stumbles upon the staff quarters when an all-night dance party is in full swing. Mesmerised by the raunchy dances move and the pounding rhythms, 'Baby' can't wait to be part of the scene, especially when she catches sight of Johnny Castle the resort dance instructor.

'Baby's' life is about to change forever as she is thrown in at the deep end as Johnny's leading lady both on-stage and off with breathtaking consequences. Now I've had the time of my life, no I never felt like this before, yes I swear it's the truth and I owe it all to you. This was night for dreams to come true at Norwich Theatre Royal as Jill Winternitz as Baby and Paul-Michael Jones as Johnny Castle took us to Kellerman's for a summer never to be forgotten.

There was an amazing atmosphere at a sold out Norwich Theatre Royal as we all knew that we were witnessing something very special. There was great music and dancing during the evening throughout Dirty Dancing until we reached the iconic ending which almost lifted the theatre roof. This was definitely one night that I felt like I was having the time of my life.