Year: 2022

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Queenz: The Show With Balls! – Arts Theatre

🎭 Queenz: The Show with Balls!
📍 Arts Theatre
đŸŽ« PR invite
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Five fabulous Drag Queens take to the stage to perform an impressive medley of classic songs from much-loved singing stars such as Gaga, Beyonce, Whitney and more! There is not a lip sync in sight as our Queenz showcase the most spectacular live vocals. The audience is treated to sassy dance routines, sparkly sequinned outfits, and a heap of cheeky humour!

Created and produced by David Griego, Queenz: The Show with Balls is hands down one of the best Drag shows I have watched. It began as an Edinburgh Fringe show and has since gone on tour across the UK.

The atmosphere was already buzzing as we were handed glowsticks upon entry. The show began with a bang and straight into a megamix of our favourite Pop songs! The entire show felt like a full-blown party; with glowsticks and phone torches parading the air and of course, a group sing-along. The lighting design wonderfully added to this party atmosphere with cascading lights around the theatre and accurately timed spotlights on the performers. I loved the variety of lighting choices, with colour tints that complemented the Queenz’ gorgeous, dazzling outfits. 

With its final London performance on a West End stage, it felt very fitting for our Queenz to perform a hilarious (and clever!) Musical Theatre medley. I was so impressed with the number of theatre classics the performers sang, with original lyrics – in just under 7 minutes! The energy was consistent, and each queen showcased their talents.

I was in awe of ZeZe Van Cartier’s (Lew Ray) and Billie Eyelash’s (Craig Colley) choreography AND hair-ography skills! Candy Caned’s (Josh Hanson) stunning outfits and Bella Du Balle’s (Ben Sell) powerhouse vocals! Completing the fabulous five was Dior Monte (Jaymi Hensley) whose comedic timing was perfect, as they had a string of funny audience participation moments!

Sass, sequins, sensational vocals – the Queenz energy was infectious and had us hooked for the entire evening. As we sang, danced, and laughed along, the show proved that time flies when you’re having fun!

The Queenz rendition of Cyndi Lauper’s True Colours was beautiful and encouraging. We were shared with an empowering message on acceptance, loving who you want and the importance of supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. 

Whether you’re a non-binary finery or a fierce ally, Queenz: The Show with Balls is the ultimate Drag show you won’t want to miss when they return on tour!

Posted on by — Leave a comment

The Lavender Hill Mob – Richmond Theatre

🎭 The Lavender Hill Mob
📍 Richmond Theatre
đŸŽ« PR invite
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Coined as one of the ‘greatest British comedy films’, The Lavender Hill Mob headed to Richmond Theatre for an all-new stage adaption.

Olivier-nominated playwright Phil Porter adapted the Ealing comedy classic, alongside Tony and Olivier-nominated director, Jeremy Sams.

The funny, fast-paced comedy tells the story of Henry Holland, an ordinary bank clerk who dreams of stealing the van of gold bullion he drives daily across London. Upon discovering that his new lodger is making Eiffel Tower paperweights out of lead, Henry devises a plan to make his dream a reality. It’s a golden opportunity for a crime of the century!

The show begins at a New Year’s Eve party in Rio, as party guests and staff prepare for the countdown. The guests are paid a visit from Farrow (Guy Burgess) a ‘film director’ and relish the opportunity to re-enact the infamous ‘Lavender Hill Heist’ for him.

Actor and comedian, Miles Jupp and Justin Edwards play Henry Holland and Pendlebury, the unsuspecting criminal duo. With Pendlebury’s skills in moulding Eiffel Tower and a comical ‘gang recruitment’, Holland’s plan to steal the gold is underway. Though the characters remain in Rio, their storytelling transports us to 1950s London, Dover, and parts of France.

Photo by Hugo Glendinning

The rest of the multitalented cast (Tessa Churchard, John Dougall, Victoria Blunt, Tim Sutton, and Aamira Challenger) were onstage for the entirety of the play, switching between various characters. The play may be a chaotic heist, with the cast constantly sprinting around the stage, but the staging and direction were executed so well that their moves appeared seamless.

Mark Henderson, the recipient of multiple Oliver Awards, did some incredible work with the lighting design. For instance, the cascading orange lights whenever the gold bullion appeared were genius as were the timing of the lights during significant moments. I admired Francis O’Connor’s simple staging and the use of props to accompany the story. Silver trays as steering wheels and palm trees to replicate the Eiffel Tower.

Photo by Hugo Glendinning

There were a few inside jokes that I was not familiar with as I had not watched the film. Act two was stronger; the comedy picked up and we were introduced to further multi-roleplaying. From French taxi drivers to school children to police officers – and a lot more silver-tray steering wheeled car chases! As a result, the play became fast-paced yet we never lost track of the story. Jupps and Edwards perform well as our criminal double act. The whole cast has an amazing stage presence, each shining in their roles. I enjoyed the delivery of the jokes and puns, particularly Sir Horace (Dougall) who had such natural humour.

My favourite scene was the amusing pursuit across London. As our delinquent duo race across the capital, the supporting characters hilariously recreate moments in history and reference iconic landmarks – one reference had the audience howling from laughter. In addition, the video projection with a moving map of London was a nice touch.

Guy Burgess (Farrow) and Miles Jupp (Henry Holland)
Photo by Hugo Glendinning

This stage play was strong in its delivery and interpretation, bringing the story to life. With intricate details, from the way the lighting shone on the cast to how the music aligned with the animated steps – I loved it!

The Lavender Hill Mob is a fun comedy play suitable for all ages and even those who may not be familiar with the original film. The cast performs flawlessly, with great comedic timing and a ton of puns!  

You can catch this play at Richmond Theatre until Saturday 19th November before it continues its tour! Tickets are available here.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Ikaria – Old Red Lion Theatre

🎭 Ikaria
📍 Old Red Lion Theatre
đŸŽ« PR invite
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Philippa Lawford’s new play, Ikaria, is a captivating and deeply moving portrayal of mental health. The play also depicts young love and finding salvation in others.

Simon (James Wilbraham), a third-year Classics student, returns to university having taken a year out. He meets a first-year English student, Mia (Amaia Naima Aguinaga), and the pair soon become an item. The couple attracts one another, despite their differences. Simon comes from a wealthy family and is privately educated, whereas Mia attended a state school and expressed not knowing her father. Mia ambitiously seeks work experience and begins working as an Editor for the university paper. Whilst Simon struggles to write a Dissertation proposal, missing numerous deadlines. Taking place entirely in Simon’s dorm room, I felt transported back to my university days as the set so accurately resembled student halls. 

Amaia Naima Aguinaga (Mia) and James Wilbraham (Simon)
Photo by Tristram Kenton

Aguinaga and Wilbraham deliver the most authentic performances. From amusing moments to tender moments, the dialogue is very natural! I enjoyed watching Simon and Mia’s relationship, performed with excellent chemistry from the cast.

My favourite scene was Simon telling Mia about the Greek island, Ikaria, where people live until 100 years old. As they embrace, envisioning their lives in this utopia, it felt so pure. The audience is fully immersed in the character’s relationship, especially as we see their highs and lows. Lawford’s writing is flawless, and there is the right balance of humour, which does not take away from the serious themes. 

As the semester goes on, Simon’s old habits creep in; an untidy room, avoiding emails and excessive Deliveroo orders. Ikaria is strong in its depiction of depression and the varying ways it can manifest in our everyday lives. The ways it can go unnoticed. The ways in which people may say they are fine but are experiencing so much pain.

James Wilbraham (Simon)
Photo by Tristram Kenton

Lawford’s direction is impressive, and they have shown an honest representation of men’s mental health. Shane Gill’s lighting also does well to showcase the shifting moods. I did note that some transitions could have been smoother to show the change of scene. 

Wilbraham’s performance is powerful, and they brilliantly play Simon, expressing anguish and guilt in scenes that are tragic to watch. I appreciated seeing how Aguinaga displayed a range of emotions in their role as Mia. Aguinaga was convincing as the bright-eyed and enthusiastic student to then being the concerned and compassionate partner. The scenes of silence spoke volumes as we witnessed Simon’s heart-breaking ordeal.

I was grateful for the appropriate gesture from the theatre, as they had placed notes on the seats, with a list of resources for those affected by the themes explored in the play.

With a great cast, fascinating writing, and direction, Ikaria is an important play. Its portrayal of mental health is profound and unlike anything I have seen. Phillipa Lawford has made a raw, beautiful piece of theatre – I cannot wait for what they do next!

Ikaria is showing at Old Red Lion Theatre until 19th November – you can get tickets here.

If you are affected by the themes in this play, concerned about your health or a loved one, here is some information you may find useful:

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
📞 0800 58 58 58
CALM website

Papyrus – for people under 35
📞 0800 068 41 41
đŸ“± Text 07860 039967
📧 pat@papyrus-uk.org
Papyrus website

Samartians
📞 116 123
đŸ“± Text SHOUT to 852558
📧 jo@samaritans.org
Samaritans website

📞 NHS ‘111‘

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Blues for an Alabama Sky – National Theatre

🎭 Blues for an Alabama Sky
📍 National Theatre
🎟 PR invite
⭐⭐⭐⭐

I took my first-ever visit to National Theatre to watch Blues for an Alabama Sky.

The 1995 play, written by Pearl Cleage, headed to Southbank, for a startling revival directed by Lynette Linton.

Set in an all-Black neighbourhood in 1930s Harlem, New York, the story follows a group of friends battling to keep their artistic dreams alive amidst the beginning of the Great Depression.

We meet Angel (Samira Wiley), a struggling Blues singer who recently lost her job and boyfriend. Angel shares an apartment with her gay best friend, Guy (Giles Terera), a fashion designer who dreams of being in Paris, designing outfits for the famous Josephine Baker. Across the hall is the shy and awkward Delia (Ronke AdĂ©koluáșčjo), who aspires to open a family planning clinic in Harlem. The quartet are complete with Sam (Sule Rimi), a charming, outgoing doctor, who delivers babies during the day, and then parties all night. 

Sam (Sule Rimi) and Angel (Samira Wiley)
Photo by Marc Brenner

The play takes place entirely in the apartment building, with the Harlem Renaissance serving as the backdrop. It is a time when there was economic uncertainty, hardship and dwindling opportunity. Despite this, the characters strive for freedom.

The friends frequently come together, hanging out in Angel and Guy’s apartment, reciting Langston Hughes’ poetry, and drinking champagne. This is disrupted when Angel falls for Leland Cunningham (Osy Ikhile), a God-fearing man from Alabama. Their romance is adorable, to begin with, but when Leland’s conservative views are revealed, it causes strain on Angel’s friendships and her own feelings.

Angel (Samira Wiley) and Leland (Osy Ikhile)
Photo by Marc Brenner

Lynette Linton has created a beautiful production. I admired the transitions between scenes as the stage revolved. Frankie Bradshaw’s set and costume design were stunning, transporting us back into 1930s New York.

The talented cast was incredible, and each character shone in their own way. A complex group of friends, I loved all their interactions. Samira Wiley’s performance as Angel was a brilliant mix of sass, humour, and a dash of self-centeredness. Wiley and Terera displayed the perfect friendship duo. The matching energy, flamboyancy, wit, and vocals were a joy to watch and a highlight of the performance!

AdĂ©koluáșčjo’s performance was another standout, as she portrayed Delia in a timid manner, with the occasional awkward outbursts. It certainly provided many of the humorous moments of the show. Delia and Sam’s scenes were endearing, and I very much enjoyed the dialogue in their scenes and their blossoming relationship. Their moments felt poignant; AdĂ©koluáșčjo and Rimi’s onstage chemistry was undeniable.

Delia (Ronke AdĂ©koluáșčjo) and Guy (Giles Terera)
Photo by Marc Brenner

Act One was far more slow-paced; there was a lot of dialogue with little action to match. The scenes picked up once the harmonic ensemble joined the stage, led by Wiley’s strong vocals. From then, the rest of the show was captivating, with some scenes causing audible gasps from the audience. 

Cleage’s writing includes heavy but necessary topics. It is a timely play, which Sule Rimi acknowledged in our interview during the rehearsals. Themes such as reproductive freedom, homosexuality, and racism, are so relevant and vital in our current climate – I appreciated how sensitively the production shared this.

Pearl Cleage has written an impactful piece of theatre with honest characters, resonant in our current society. Even with a bittersweet ending, Blues for an Alabama Sky is a story that reflects reality, and I am thankful for this revival. 

You can catch Blues for an Alabama Sky until 5th November 2022!

Posted on by — Leave a comment

6 Things To Do in Curaçao

Back in December, I went on my first holiday since the pandemic. I spent two relaxing weeks on a small island named Curacao. I had known about the blue Curacao liquor but had little to no knowledge about the island. With a population of just over 150,000 and constant 20+ degree weather, my housemate invited me to spend the Christmas holidays with her and her family. Great weather, plenty of stunning beaches and tasty Caribbean food – here are 6 things to do in Curacao!

1. Visit Mambo Beach



This white sandy beach is one of the most popular tourist spots in Curacao, where you will find an array of cuisines, shops and water sports activities to participate in. (I even spotted a piercing shop!) Entry is free, but if you fancy having a sunbathe, it costs $4-5 for a lounger. Whilst Mambo Beach is the more ‘commercial’ beach on the island, it is still worth the visit! It had the idyllic Caribbean island feel, with palm trees dotted along the shore. It is the perfect place to relax, with an ice-cold drink and soak in the rays!

2. Walk along Queen Emma Bridge

My favourite spot on the island was the view of Queen Emma Bridge. The floating bridge connects the two neighbourhoods in Willemstad, Punda and Otrabanda.



The bridge opens many times during the day to allow boats to pass through. Built in 1888, the lighting arches were installed in 1955, providing a stunning view in the evening. I took so many pictures on the bridge AND from both sides. The colourful buildings make a gorgeous, picturesque backdrop, one that is an iconic symbol for Curacao. You will find several attraction shops on the island selling souvenirs with this image.

3. Check out Street Art in Punda



Street art is a common thing in Curacao, particularly in Punda. I had a solo trip around and stumbled across houses that had the most eye-catching paintings on their walls. As most of the homes in this area were quite colourful, it made a beautiful backdrop for the artwork. Book yourself onto a free walking tour, which will take you around Punda and past some of the fantastic street art!

4. Enjoy the views at Playa Kenepa / Grote Knip



The beaches in Curacao are all stunning, but Playa Kenepa (or Grote Knip) made me gasp. The turquoise blue water was not like anything I had seen so far on holiday. We stood at a great viewpoint that overlooked the beach and beautiful ocean. We visited on Christmas Eve and it was surprisingly packed. Like Mambo, you have to pay for the sun loungers ($5) and there are stalls selling ice cream, coconut water, and cocktail/mocktail slushies! It is a little further from the city centre (a 50-minute drive) and smaller than most beaches – but worth a visit! On your way there, you can check out Playa Piskado, another spot famous for sea turtles! Though we didn’t swim with them, we saw plenty as we walked along the pier.

5. Indulge in local food



Many restaurants in Curacao will serve the national dishes and it may be best to try to find a local restaurant so you can have an authentic experience. We went to a restaurant called Landhuis Dokterstuin, not too far from Playa Kenepa beach. We drank Awa Di Lamunchi (similar to Lemonade!) and ordered some traditional Curacao food. There was plantain, funchi, Karni stobĂĄ (stewed beef) and Galina Pia stobĂĄ (stewed chicken legs), which all reminded me of West African food. Portion sizes were also generous so maybe bring a takeaway container!

6. Take a mesmerising trip to Klein Curacao

Klein Curacao was my favourite part of the holiday. We booked through Mermaid Boat Trips, for an inclusive all-day tour of the uninhabited island, Klein Curacao. Just 2 hours from Curacao, the day included relaxing on the white sand beach, snorkelling and searching for sea turtles in the crystal blue water AND a buffet breakfast/lunch. The company we chose also had its own designated area with sun loungers, changing rooms and showers. I was relieved as it meant I could change into different outfits/swimsuits! You can also take a walk around Klein, and check out the abandoned lighthouse and ships that wrecked onto the beach. After admiring this stunning island, taking several photos and sunbathing with newly made friends, we headed back to Curacao.


Curacao is the perfect destination for some Winter Sun! Great for relaxing, exploring and eating good food – so essentially all types of holiday goers! 😀 

Posted on by — Leave a comment

& Juliet – Shaftesbury Theatre

🎭 &Juliet
📍 Shaftesbury Theatre
đŸ’· ÂŁ25
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Who knew I would love jukebox musicals enough to see them twice!? & Juliet is one of the most fun, entertaining, and inclusive West End shows I have ever been to. Thanks to Today Tix, I have been fortunate to see this pop musical twice and in different seating areas (much prefer the stalls!).

Based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, &Juliet tells this classic tale from a “what if” perspective, where Juliet does not die. Shakespeare (Oliver Tompsett) is persuaded by his wife, Anna Hathaway (Cassidy Janson) to rewrite the ending of Romeo and Juliet’s tragic love story. And this begins a wonderful, wild, and wacky musical journey. We follow Juliet (Miriam-Teak Lee) on her journey of self-discovery, as she travels with friends, May (Alex Thomas-Smith), Nurse Angelique (Melanie La Barrie) and Anne, from Verona to Paris.

This award-winning musical includes music from Swedish songwriter, Max Martin. His catalogue is very impressive with hits from Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry and more! The songs are hilariously and cleverly incorporated into the storyline, with my standout performances being from ‘Da Bois’ and that iconic Ariana Grande/The Weeknd mash-up. The script was witty, with some tongue-in-cheek one-liners. There were tender moments too. The inclusion of the non-binary character, May, was touching to see and provided the much-needed inclusion we need in theatres today! There were also many empowering speeches between the characters and a sense of girl power. Teak-Lee as Juliet was outstanding – the energy, the charm, the humour!

I adored the enthusiasm from the ensemble all throughout this show, especially at the beginning as they engaged with the audience. The cast wore Tudor-like costumes that had been modernised and paired with sneakers and a lot of bling! The choreography by Jennifer Weber is so catchy – I still do the same dance move whenever I hear Katy Perry’s Roar.

This is a fun musical that is suited for any audience. Yes, the storyline at times is a little ridiculous, but it was such a joy to watch. I came out of the theatre grinning, wanting to experience it all over again. (And I did, 5 months later with a different cast – who were equally as talented!)

& Juliet is a show I highly recommend for everyone!

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Welcome to Rachel Reviewed!

Hey, I am Rachel, a 20-something-year-old Ghanaian-Londoner! I’ve finally decided to create a blog, showcasing all things to do with theatre, music, books, and travel! It is quite a lot, but these are the hobbies I have loved over the years!

Theatre

My first experience of theatre was in secondary school studying Performing Arts. I was the student who wanted to emulate the lifestyle I had seen in the High School Musical movies – randomly bursting into song and dance. At 15, we went on a school trip to see ‘Wicked’ which further made me fall in love with the theatre. Post-pandemic, I have been fortunate enough to go and watch some brilliant shows on and off West End. I love a showstopping musical with dazzling choreography, just as much as a dramatic play with minor props and an intense script! I have written reviews, created Instagram Reels/TikTok’s and even partied at a Musical Theatre Rave. If you want to read and learn more about theatre – keep an eye on this blog!

Music

Can you remember your first concert/festival? I saw an artist named Daley at KOKO in Camden. It was my favourite memory, and I was in awe of how great they sounded live! I shortly discovered festivals, only ever attending non-camping ones in London. Leaving a Calvin Harris set covered in dust, headbanging in the rain to Chase & Status, hugging strangers during Major Lazer – a dream (for some!). The pandemic had put a stop to many big festivals I loved and attended regularly – SW4, Lovebox – I will never forget you! But I vow to get back into it. Music has always been a huge part of my life. On my previous blog, I shared songs that I had On Repeat This Week – this included throwback tracks, songs from adverts, and recommended songs! So, I will be bringing that feature back on Rachel Reviewed.

Books

I often wonder how I was able to finish books in one day. With the rise of social media and our phones grabbing most of our attention, I have not had the best of luck getting back into reading. However, I am determined to! I remember being so excited about visiting libraries and taking part in the Summer Reading challenges. Jacqueline Wilson became a strong favourite, as did Judy Blume – I loved these coming-of-age novels. I’m keen to read more books from Black authors. After reading, Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, which shared a tragic yet beautiful story of Ghanaian ancestry, I was amazed at how wonderful Gyasi had written this. My Goodreads list is ever-growing, and I hope to share more of my thoughts here!

Travel

My all-time favourite hobby is travelling, and I cannot wait to do more of it! I want to share my favourite destinations, travel tips and reviews of all the places I have flown to (or taken a train, staycations are the new thing, right?!).

I also want to share advice on travelling as a lone female. I was grateful for all the blogs I came across that listed handy tips for solo travellers and would love to do the same! I have already uploaded a few highlights from my trips to Curacao and Lisbon – check them out here!

You can find me on:

Instagram @rachelreviewed

TikTok @rachelreviewed

Twitter @rachelreviewed

Or contact via email at rachelreviewed @ gmail.com