Theatre Reviews
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Simon Harding - TheatreBreaks.co.uk
Theatre Breaks Reviews
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What do you think of Theatre Breaks? Or the last show you saw?
I don’t know about you, but when I come back from seeing a show, I want to tell everyone what I thought of it: anyone who will listen that is!
For me it is part of the enjoyment, re-living the show as I relate the evening’s events, whether I enjoyed the show or not. That is what is great about theatre: there is always something to talk about afterwards. Whether it is the acting or the direction, the singing or dancing… I used to be a lighting and set designer in the olden days, so I am always interested in how a production looks too.
And I am always interested in what other people think. I love listening into other people’s conversations in the interval, on the tube on the way home, talking to the barman back at the hotel. Sit me down with a drink after a show and you know it’s going to be a long one!
So what do you think? Good or bad, long or short, give us the low-down – we would love to know!
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DURING JANUARY AND FEBRUARY ALL THEATRE BREAKS REVIEWS ON THIS SITE WILL BE ENTERED INTO OUR FREE COMPETITION. THE BEST REVIEW WILL WIN THOSE TOP PRICE SEATS *
* Tickets valid Mon – Friday inc. Weds Mats between 1st March & 24th May 2012. Excludes Saturdays & school holidays.
The choice will be made by theatrebreaks.co.uk writer, Simon Harding. He will take into account factors such as usefulness, interest and entertainment value. Factors that will not necessarily be taken into account include length of review, number of stars given, whether it is positive or negative. His decision will be final!
Les Miserables..you make me smile!
I have seen Les Miserables many many times..I am on first name terms with the box office! Les Miserables is a wonderful show that becomes part of your soul.. if you love it..you REALLY love it with a passion!For those who dont know the story...it is about a convict called Jean Valjean who`s only crime was to steal a loaf of bread ..for this(and for trying to escape!) he served 19 years hard labour and on release is pursued by Inspector Javert..an unforgiving man with a mission to put JVJ back behind bars! JVJ becomes mayor and rescues a child who he brings up as his own child..and I wont say any more! I have seen many cast changes and will share some of my favourites!I was absolutely in awe of Ramin Karimloo as the main character Jean Valjean..he portrayed the role in a totally different way than I have ever seen before and was so moving..even though I have seen the show countless times his performance had me in tears of apprectiation! He has such stage presence and charisma.Samantha Barks was an incredible Eponine and played the role in London and at the 02 25th anniversary ( and now has been cast in the film version !!) Well deserved as she really makes the part her own.Norm Lewis was the best Javert I have ever seen - so menacing and totally in character!The shhow also includes a little comedy with The Thenardiers ( an inn keeper and his wife) they have some wonderful scenes that will give you a giggle!The show is currently in The Queens Theatre-having sat in many seats in this theatre I would say that the show looks very different from the stalls to the dress circle(have never sat in the balcony) I think I enjoy the show more from the Dress Circle as you can see everything that is going on on stage- the stage revolves during the show and there is a barricade scene that is seen in much more detail from the Dress Circle. The stalls ,however, do give you an intimate view of the show..so if you particularly want to see a certain person then maybe the stalls would be best.I was lucky enough to be at the VIP screening of the 25th Anniversary and I can honestly say it was one of the highlights of my life! To mingle with not only the show performers...but Cameron Mackintosh and also the writer of the music and lyrics was an incredible experience!If you only have the money for one show...then this has to top of the list!
jersey boys
This was the second time we have seen this wonderful show!The acting is superb and the songs are a knock-out.just shut your eyes and IT IS the Jersey Boys re-incarnated.What an uplifting exciting experience.Those in the audience that knew the lyrics joined in and by the time came for the last song everyone was raring to go and got up singing ,clapping and moving to the music.I shall definitely be going again and again!A real feel good factor!!!!
ABSENT LAUGHS
I really, really wanted to like this comendy. I really, really wanted to laugh my head off. Was I expecting too much from the genius pen of Alan Ayckbourn? I don't think I set my sights too high because in the past I have LOVED his comedies.
The new production of Absent Friends which is playing at the Harold Pinter Theatre, London just didn't do it for me. It should have... it's got a great cast who have collectively a CV as long as two arms of comedic roles behind them. However, apart from the ever-brilliant Elizabeth Berrington & spasmodic moments from Reece Shearsmith, no one else made me even give a wry titter.
I know this is a play of uncomfortable moments when the direction given to the characters is to just sit on stage and squirm silently with embarrassment - in my opinion this should be a funny moment for the audience, but it wasn't. I just felt myself giving a sly look at my watch to see when the interval was.
I'm sorry, I hate writing bad reviews, but this play was not only Absent of Friends, but Absent of Laughs.
I only give it 2 stars because of Elizabeth Berrington.
Response: Ouch! So what do you think needs to change to make it work? I\'ve herard som excellent comments on this and the reviews from the papers aren\'t out yet - so maybe there is time...
My night out at Wicked the Musical!
I got my tickets for Wicked the Musical from theatrebreaks.co.uk
I've never considered myself as much of a 'theatre buff' but so many people had told me how brilliant Wicked was that I thought I just had to go and see it.
I find that usually things that get such an amazing hype around them turn out not to be as good as expected as you expect far too much and sometimes they don't deliver.
That was most definitely NOT the case with Wicked. The whole thing was absolutely amazing. The actors and actresses were fantastic and the props and costumes were just wonderful.
I would recommend this musical to anyone. Even people who don't normally go out of there way to see musicals, you will not be dissapointed!
Booking a Theatre break in London with a hotel combined is also a really lovely present for a loved one (especially since Valentine's Day is coming up).
Wedding Anniversay Break
I would like to write a review on “Theatre Breaks”. My husband and I wanted to celebrate our first wedding aniversary by spending a weekend in London and going to see a show. We went to see “Oliver” [now on tour - ed] which was a great show and we had really good seats. I booked our theatre break by telephone and chose to stay at “The Grosvenor Hotel” Park Lane. When we arrived at the hotel we found we our room been upgraded….What a lovely surprise…would definately book with “Theatre Breaks” again..
Vintage cowboys
[Crazy for You is an] enjoyable show with high kicking girls to have a gander at and an involving storyline, I have enjoyed others more than this but if you get the tickets for a good price you won\'t be disappointed, it would suit theatre lovies and the older generation, not so much my cup of tea.
Raunchy Chicago
Not much in the way of scenery changes but songs are belted out one after another. Took my boys when they were a bit too young but they knew all the songs as I had played them on the car CD player for months before. Would definately see again. Lots of energy.
Colourful
Absolutely brill. [Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical has] Lots and lots of colour and humour. Those guys must have calves of steel to perform in heels like that. Laughed and laughed. Went with a bunch of girlfriends and would thoroughly recommend.
FAB!
Took the kids [to The Lion King] when they were younger. The stage is very busy, lots going on for kids to be looking at. Handy hint, get aisle seats. We were recommended to and glad we did as all the animals run down the aisles.
Typical Ben Elton
The music of Queen is outstanding and that alone is the best part of this show [We Will Rock You]. Took 2 teenage boys with me, who loved this show. For me, the story was so silly, it felt like an 11 yr old had written it. This I found very irritating and it didn\'t get any better through the show.
Warhorse - Pure Magic
Took my teenage boys to see this. Read the book (it's only short) before we went. The way the horses have been made and the painstaking attention to detail in their mannerisms and movement is outstanding. I really don't think there'll be anything like it again. It's a good show for boys as there is no sloppy stuff. It is a war so it's very loud, would take nurofen before going again! Lovely story and we all took something different away from this show. Top class!
Would see it again and again
My husband and I went to see - and enjoy - Blood Brothers a few years ago for the first time and of course we had to see it again. It is so well performed and holds your attention from the very beginning when you hear the story being told by a narrator with a great Liverpool accent. It's a real "down to earth" type musical with great songs which we play in the car on long journeys and enthusiastically join in. Thanks for Blood Brothers Willy.
MAMA MIA
Having grown up with Abba and my husband I myself being great fans, we wondered if the stage musical would meet the high expectations we have of anything on the London stage.
For us a trip to Town, is primarily for the theatre. Its a real treat with a stop over at a leading hotel and meal out.
Mama Mia did not disappoint. We loved every minute, ended up singing along with everyone else and had the most wonderful evening.
There was laughter and a warming to Sophie's plight to find who her real father is. Inviting them to her wedding, unbeknown to her mother seemed the simplest way to sort out her problem. Only, nothing is ever that simple, is it? When three prospective fathers answer her invitation, she has her hands full!
Mama Mia is also the one and only theatre production I have been to, where the audience rose as one, at the end, for a final fling of their favourites. It was more like being at a concert!
Brilliant production. An absolute must for any Abba fans, who like us have their music at home and can't get Dancing Queen, or Money, Money, Money out of their heads!
This 5-star rated show, set the scene for the Mama Mia movie to follow, which, although panned by some critics, still gives us Abba fans more chance to hit the dance floor singing. Without the tremendous success of the stage show, I am sure the movie may have remained on the project table, shelved as a possible maybe for later.
Calling all Abba fans: if you have not yet seen Mama Mia at the Prince of Wales Theatre, London, get yourself booked in. You'll have a really great time. We always book through Theatre Breaks. The arrangements are perfect everytime. No ticket problems, good seats and a great hotel.
Hairspray
The acting was FANTASTIC!
This was certainly one of my top 5 musicals!
When Michael Ball first appeared on the stage everyone cheered!
Michael Ball played the Mother and put so much enthusiasm and energy into his character and part. Everyone was full of life and very energetic. They were all amazing! Nigel Planer played Wilbur was also excellent! After their number they were both off them strayed away from the script and laughter overcame them, this made the audience cry with laughter! Who says West End shows are professional? This really brought a lot of fun into the show the audience loved it, as it brought their personality through.
The drama techniques were VERY effective and lots were used these included. Very dramatic facial expressions the expressions are very important and tell us a lot about the character and about their thoughts. The movements were very smooth the characters didn’t wander off they moved smoothly off to not waste time and make I drag on.
Can not fault any of the cast! It was a FANTASTIC show, FANTASTIC cast, and a FANTASTIC place to be!
"I can hear the 5 stars!"
What a night
Superb show delivered with extreme energy dance and song - brilliant night, don't think about it do it you will not regret.
Ghost - Hot Romance
My 2011 Boxing Day treat was to see Ghost the Musical. I was a little sceptical about how it would transpose to stage, but also a little bit excited too. I was going with a friend whose all time fav film is Ghost, so I suppose some of her excitement was rubbing off on me.
Well, I can't believe it took me so long to get around to seeing this marvelous production.
And hasn't Richard Fleeshman grown up into a fine specimen of a young man? Who would have thought Corry's token Goth Craig Harris could turn out to be such a hunk!
Anyway, back to the show... the songs are fab, as well as the sets. Magical tricks are very clever (I have even worked with illusionist Paul Keive in The Witches - lovely bloke). People around me were suitable impressed with gasps of "how did they do that?"
The villian, Carl (Andrew Langtree), is suitabley slimely and his come-uppance is suitabley justified!
The ending will have the romantics reaching for their tissues. The female family in front of us were blubbing heaps! And the standing ovation the cast recieved was enevitable.
The two leads (Fleeshman & American Cassie Levy) were very strong vocally and their characters instantly like-able.
Mark Evans takes over the role of Sam Wheat from 13th January and Siobhan Dillion (dubbed "second chance Maria" by Graham Norton in the inaugural BBC talent show) becomes his love Molly Jensen. Evans looks rugged enough to take on the sexy role of Sam and I think Siobhan Dillon stunningly beautiful (she was always my favourite aspiring Maria). Both should conjure up the right atmosphere and sympathy in this most tragic of love stories.
Highly recommended for Valentines!
MAGICAL MATILDA
Well, what a brilliant time we had last night at Matilda the Musical. We had much better seats than we did in Stratford and it made all the difference. The children loved, I loved it, the audience loved it. Standing ovation for Kerry Ingram who played Matilda and another standing ovation for whole cast. All came out happy and smiley. Can't say enough good things about this show. It really is the one to watch this year and now on until October 2012.
Wonderful Billy Elliot
wonderful.
dancing is brilliant
cast talented
JERSEY-TASTIC
Great and energetic musical story of the rise of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons told from each of thier point of view. A must for any Four Seasons fan. Type of musical that fans would go to again and again. Definite value for money
Chicago
I thought that Chicago was a brilliant play and I really enjoyed it! The whole cast were great and the play had a fantastic story line. The songs were really good and the choreography was excellent. It was also lovely to meet Darius Campbell and America Ferrera after the show! I would definitely go and see it again.
Response: That\'s great to hear Amelia - Chicago has always been one of my favourite shows - lucky you to meet the stars too!
MAMA MIA
Having grown up with Abba and my husband I myself being great fans, we wondered if the stage musical would meet the high expectations we have of anything on the London stage.
For us a trip to Town, is primarily for the theatre. Its a real treat with a stop over at a leading hotel and meal out.
Mama Mia did not disappoint. We loved every minute, ended up singing along with everyone else and had the most wonderful evening.
There was laughter and a warming to Sophie's plight to find who her real father is. Inviting them to her wedding, unbeknown to her mother seemed the simplest way to sort out her problem. Only, nothing is ever that simple, is it? When three prospective fathers answer her invitation, she has her hands full!
Mama Mia is also the one and only theatre production I have been to, where the audience rose as one, at the end, for a final fling of their favourites. It was more like being at a concert!
Brilliant production. An absolute must for any Abba fans, who like us have their music at home and can't get Dancing Queen, or Money, Money, Money out of their heads!
This 5-star rated show, set the scene for the Mama Mia movie to follow, which, although panned by some critics, still gives us Abba fans more chance to hit the dance floor singing. Without the tremendous success of the stage show, I am sure the movie may have remained on the project table, shelved as a possible maybe for later.
Calling all Abba fans: if you have not yet seen Mama Mia at the Prince of Wales Theatre, London, get yourself booked in. You'll have a really great time. We always book through Theatre Breaks. The arrangements are perfect everytime. No ticket problems, good seats and a great hotel.
Hairspray
The acting was FANTASTIC!
This was certainly one of my top 5 musicals!
When Michael Ball first appeared on the stage everyone cheered!
Michael Ball played the Mother and put so much enthusiasm and energy into his character and part. Everyone was full of life and very energetic. They were all amazing! Nigel Planer played Wilbur was also excellent! After their number they were both off them strayed away from the script and laughter overcame them, this made the audience cry with laughter! Who says West End shows are professional? This really brought a lot of fun into the show the audience loved it, as it brought their personality through.
The drama techniques were VERY effective and lots were used these included. Very dramatic facial expressions the expressions are very important and tell us a lot about the character and about their thoughts. The movements were very smooth the characters didn’t wander off they moved smoothly off to not waste time and make I drag on.
Can not fault any of the cast! It was a FANTASTIC show, FANTASTIC cast, and a FANTASTIC place to be!
"I can hear the 5 stars!"
Chicago
I thought that Chicago was a brilliant play and I really enjoyed it! The whole cast were great and the play had a fantastic story line. The songs were really good and the choreography was excellent. It was also lovely to meet Darius Campbell and America Ferrera after the show! I would definitely go and see it again.
Response: That\'s great to hear Amelia - Chicago has always been one of my favourite shows - lucky you to meet the stars too!
Mamma Mia Tickets
Mamma Mia is entertaining audience! The irresistible tale of love, laughter and friendship is set in the picturesque locales of Greek, which revolves around Sophie, who is looking for the real identity of her father. ABBA’s mesmerizing musical numbers make this enchanting tale a delightful experience for theatre lovers
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