Rock of Ages production images Written by Chris D’Arienzo, Rock of Ages is a jukebox musical comedy based on the classic rock anthems of the 1980s. Nominated for 5 Tony awards Rock of Ages opened on Broadway in 2009 closing in 2015. Set in 1987 on Sunset Strip in Hollywood, the story tells of a … Continue reading Rock of Ages
Hairspray – WBOS Youtheatre
I was a member of WBOS Youtheatre, joining in 1997, and spent many wonderful years performing in shows such as Oklahoma, 42nd Street and even playing the lead of 'Annie' in 1999. So you can imagine the delight of being invited along to watch the 2018 WBOS Youtheatre production of Hairspray. The award winning youth … Continue reading Hairspray – WBOS Youtheatre
Dirty Dancing
Dirty Dancing Photo credit: Alastair Muir I first saw Dirty Dancing the movie, starring Patrick Swazye and Jennifer Grey, at our local cinema in 1987 and have been a fan of the movie ever since. Yes, I am one of those people who can quote lines from the film and who knows all the words … Continue reading Dirty Dancing
Orange Polar Bear
This innovative original work is a collaboration between Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Hanyong Theatre company and the National Theatre of Korea in association with Birmingham City University. The Orange Polar Bear by award winning playwrights Sun-Duck Ko and Evan Placey was created following a series of workshops with groups of young people in Birmingham and Korea … Continue reading Orange Polar Bear
War Horse
Coinciding with the centenary commemorations of the end of the first World War, the National Theatre’s acclaimed play War Horse is currently on its second national tour of the UK. Based on the children’s book by Michael Morpurgo, War Horse tells the story of Albert and his horse Joey. When war breaks out Albert’s father … Continue reading War Horse
The Lovely Bones
I always remember the first time I read The Lovely Bones and Lucky by Alice Sebold and how I was immediately captured by Alice's words and her powerful narrative. When I heard that this bestselling novel was heading to the stage for the first time, I knew I had to see it. The Lovely Bones … Continue reading The Lovely Bones
Rent – LMYT
The award-winning Lichfield Musical Youth Theatre was formed in 1985 to provide opportunities for young people in the local area to take part in theatre activities. Their 2018 production of Rent is presented by 30 members of the company aged 16 and over. With music lyrics and a book by Jonathan Larson, Rent is a … Continue reading Rent – LMYT
Kinky Boots
Kinky Boots - Photo credit: Helen Maybanks Kinky Boots is based on the 2005 film of the same name, which was inspired by the true story of Northampton shoe manufacturers W.J Brookes. With music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper and a book by Harvey Fierstein, Kinky Boots premiered in 2012 in Chicago and went on … Continue reading Kinky Boots
Motown – The Musical
Motown - The Musical Photos: Tristram Kenton The first time we went to see Motown The Musical was in London celebrating my father’s retirement. Despite my horrific hangover, (which actually got better with the wonderful sounds of the Motown soundtrack), we loved this show. The London production of “Motown the Musical” opened on 11 February … Continue reading Motown – The Musical
The Wipers Times
The Wipers Times, Birmingham Rep In 1916 whilst stationed in the front-line in Ypres Belgium, a group of soldiers from the 12th battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire regiment) came across an old printing press, during a routine patrol. Sargent Tyler, a printer by trade, salvaged the press and the decision was made … Continue reading The Wipers Times