Category: Theatre

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Ripe Tomato, After Peribañez – VAULT Festival

🎭 Ripe Tomato, After Peribañez
📍 The Cavern, VAULT Festival
🎫 PR invite
⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Jealousy is the price you pay for love.”

The story

Written by Siofra Dromgoole and Gráinne Dromgoole, Ripe Tomato is a modern adaption of the 16th-century Spanish tragicomedy, Peribañez. The premise remains the same but has been reworked into a ‘Queer Epic’, with a focus on relevant issues in our society today. Taking place in South London, Cass and Peri are celebrating their nuptials with their best friends, when a man has an accident right outside the home, they have been squatting in. As Cass tends to this wounded stranger, it’s revealed the man is the landlord of the property. The landlord, Jeremy, takes an instant liking to Cass, and we see his crush turn into a manipulative series of events.

My thoughts

Directed by Avigail Tlalim, this is a stripped-back production, with minimal props, allowing us to focus entirely on the characters and their interactions. The friendship between Cass, Peri, Ines, and Ben (Gráinne Dromgoole, Yohanna Ephrem, Camila Segal and Charlie Collinson) is endearing to watch. Their dynamic isn’t perfect, and even with each of them going through a personal struggle, they still looked out for one another.

Gráinne Dromgoole’s Cass is calm, soft-hearted, and reliant on her wife, Peri, and her friends. Peri is assertive and immediately questions Jeremy’s motives as he buys gifts for Cass. This contemporary take touches on relevant topics affecting us today, such as the housing crisis. Ephrem is a passionate performer and showed a great range of emotions throughout the play. From her impassioned speech about the state of the housing system to a more vulnerable side when she speaks about her love for Cass. There were powerful performances all round.

Os Leanse was another standout as they convincingly played the selfish and obsessive Jeremy. We could feel the desperation and couldn’t help but laugh at his attempts to woo Cass. From reciting (the wrong) romantic Shakespeare lines, arranging household repairs to even questioning her sexuality! Overcome with jealousy, Jeremy ultimately abuses his power, which leads to come conniving actions. He’s supported by his witty assistant, Lujana (Olivia Mills) who also forms a connection with Ines.

One improvement would be the accompanying music; at times, it was playing louder than the dialogue, especially with the acoustics of the venue space.

Siofra Dromgoole and Gráinne Dromgoole have written a strong piece of theatre, that had us engrossed from start to finish. It’s a clever take on a literary classic, and representative of our society today. I’m excited to see where this production goes next!

You can catch Ripe Tomato, After Peribanez at The Vaults Festival on 18 and 19 February.
Visit here to get tickets!

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Steel Magnolias – Richmond Theatre

🎭 Steel Magnolias
📍 Richmond Theatre
🎫 PR invite
⭐⭐⭐

Steel Magnolias revolves around a group of Southern women in Louisiana who regularly meet at the local hair and beauty salon run by Truvy (Lucy Speed). The play spans a few years, as we see the group laugh, cry, bicker, and, importantly, build meaningful friendships.

Written by Robert Harling, Steel Magnolias is based on Harling’s family tragedy and adapted into the 1989 film with an ensemble cast, including Dolly Parton and Julia Roberts.

The story

The first scene takes place on the day of Shelby’s wedding as all the women appear in the salon. Truvy introduces her new, eager assistant, Anelle (Elizabeth Ayodele) to the ladies. Shelby (Diana Vickers) is confident, cheeky and has a likeable aura about her and often disputes with her mother, M’Lynn (Laura Main). M’Lynn, who is quite the contrast, is overprotective and worrisome over her daughter’s choices – from wedding flowers to hairstyles. Completing the group is Clairee (Caroline Harker), former First Lady of Louisana and the incredibly witty, Ouiser (Harriet Thorpe).

We soon learn of Shelbie’s diabetic health condition, which risks her life as she desires to become a mother. The drama centres around this and the tragic events to come.

Photo credit: Pamela Raith

My thoughts

Steel Magnolias is a good representation of strength and the importance of being unified in tough circumstances. Directed by Anthony Banks, the first act did well to establish the varying personalities amongst the group. While I admired watching the bonds the characters formed, I couldn’t help but feel the play suffered some pacing issues. Act 1 felt drawn out, and almost as though nothing was happening. Once Ouiser entered the stage, their one-liners bought the much-needed humour and energy the show required.

The production takes place entirely in the salon; the set and costume design are quintessentially 80s, representing the era well. Laura Hopkins’ set includes neon signs, photos of Dolly Parton and a ‘the higher the hair, the closer to God’ poster. Kulkari’s costume choices similarly showcased typical eighties attire. The characters have several outfit changes, between bright, bold mismatched prints and varying wigs with scrunchies.  

There were a couple of moments where lighting cues were missed, and I also noted that the Southern accents were not as strong as we would hope. Described as a comedy-drama, some jokes fell flat, while others I didn’t really understand. This could be a case of the script being written for its time and not as culturally relevant today. It would be interesting to see a total revival of this play mainly as the themes are key.

Photo credit: Pamela Raith

The cast worked well together, and their friendship appeared natural. Diana Vickers’ was a standout and gave an authentic performance in the role of Shelby. Lucy Speed was also wonderful as the kind-hearted, reassuring friend to them all, especially in Act 2.

I liked how the salon signified a safe space for the characters. We watched them experience love, laughter, and loss. It’s unfortunate circumstances, with the final scenes proving to be the most powerful. The tragedy brings the group closer, emphasising the true meaning of friendship.

Steel Magnolias is playing at Richmond Theatre until 28 January 2023, before continuing its tour.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Morveren – Barons Court Theatre

🎭 Morveren
📍 Barons Court Theatre
🎫 Gifted
⭐⭐⭐

Drawing upon Cornish mythology, ‘Morveren’ is a story that explores three generations of women and the importance of community.

Written by Kate Webster and directed by Lou Corben, Morveren includes a musical arrangement by Becki Jayne Reed and audio clips of the ocean breeze, setting the scene, and transporting the audience to Cornwall.

The story

The play begins with Keren (Charlotte Blandford), an ambitious banker, arriving at a coastal Cornish village for a work project, with her daughter, Ellie (Aysha Niwaz).

Keren is a workaholic, eager to please her boss and earn a promotion. Ellie is fascinated with mermaids and the sea, carrying around the Disney Princess Ariel backpack *and* an Ariel toy. Ellie’s curiosity, and desire to be a mermaid, lead her to take a swim in the sea, much to her mother’s obliviousness.

In another scene, Morwen (Alessandra Perotto) notices Ellie struggling in the water and sets out to rescue her. Here we learn that Morwen is Keren’s grandmother and has not seen Keren in years, nor has she met her great-granddaughter, Ellie. Morwen, the matriarch of the village, stresses the importance of protecting their home and passing down wisdom to Keren and Ellie. Keren displays snobbery about her hometown, wondering why the same people are still living and working in a village so rural, her GPS watch can’t track her.

My thoughts

The pacing did feel slow and it took a while for the story to unravel. Act 2 certainly had more dramatic elements and revealed details of an unfortunate accident, which caused Keren to leave the village.

I enjoyed the duologues between the characters; Ellie and Morwen’s conversation about mermaids was endearing. Although unclear how old Ellie was meant to be, Niwaz did a great job at portraying the innocence mixed with inquisitiveness you’d associate with a young child. I also liked the staging in this particular scene. The set design was simple, with a sole rock situated at the corner of the stage. A clever and subtle directional choice from Corben, having Ellie positioned in a way we’d imagine a mermaid to lay.

The actors all gave strong performances, especially during the tense scene with Keren and Morwen. Their role as grandmother and granddaughter was believable and their scenes felt natural.

While the strengths lay within the performances, the story felt disjointed. I would have loved more cohesion between the moments of drama.  In my opinion, certain scenes and even intervals of dialogue from Keren interrupted the flow. Other scenes felt like a filler and could have been minimised. I would have also liked more exploration into Cornish mythology.

Keren’s character journey was a standout – Blandford played the role exceptionally well and convincingly displayed a range of emotions. Keren went from being distant, even a bit rigid to showing a softer, vulnerable side.

With great characters, who shone in their individual roles, Morveren is a heart-warming family play, emphasising the value of having a community, forming family bonds and womanhood.

Morveren is playing at Barons Court Theatre until Saturday 28 January 2023. You can get tickets online.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Nerubashenko Ballet presents Swan Lake

🎭 Swan Lake
📍Richmond Theatre
🎫 PR invite
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Nerubashenko Ballet’s production of Swan Lake glides its way to Richmond Theatre, for an enchanting evening.

Premiering in 1877, Swan Lake is considered one of the masterpieces of classical ballet. It has performed many productions and new choreography across the world, enjoyed by ballet lovers and newcomers. This was my first time watching ballet and I could definitely see why Swan Lake is hailed as one of the greatest.

The story

The classic tale follows Prince Siegfried, who falls in love with Odette, Queen of the Swans. Odette and the swans are under a spell by the evil magician, Rothbart. They spend their days gliding across the lake, only for their human form to be regained at night. Enthralled by Odette’s beauty, the Prince swears eternal love for her, and Odette believes his true love can save her and the other maidens from the spell.

When Prince Siegfried must choose a bride, the evil Rothbart tricks the Prince into declaring his love for Odile, the daughter of Rothbart, who bears a striking resemblance to Odette. Realising his mistake, Prince Siegfried begs for Odette’s forgiveness and fights against the evil magician until the spell is broken. The ballet has a fairytale ending, with Siegfried and Odette having their happily ever after.

Swan Lake is a love story, performed in three acts to the iconic Tchaikovsky. There is romance and sorcery, but no tragedy. I still enjoyed the story and watched with a ballet enthusiast who explained this production strayed from the traditional ending.

The production

The live orchestra was a standout, particularly the Harp solo, which had me captivated. Scores that were instantly recognisable and beautifully complemented the ballet. The company was perfectly poised, light on their feet, effortlessly gliding across the stage. I was most impressed with how brilliantly timed the dancers and orchestra were–it was fantastic!

Performed by a hand-picked company of international ballet artists, this production included various dance styles, which I was not expecting. In a colourful Palace celebration sequence, we watch an exuberant Spanish flamenco duet followed by an upbeat Russian folk dance. Act 2 was certainly more energetic, in both the story and performance. I noticed minor mishaps, which I assume were down to the smaller-scale staging. I imagine a larger stage would elevate the production even more. Still, the company did a great job at utilising the smaller space and did not let this deter the routines.


With no words, performers must rely on their movements and facial expressions to tell the story. I wished the Prince showed more emotion, particularly in Act 1 where he falls deeply in love with Odette. By comparison, the company was full of passion, especially the entourage of swans.

As the lead ballerina eloquently danced in her roles as Odette and Odile, personality shone on her face. Dressed in a gorgeous all-black outfit, Odile’s solo was impressive. It was seductive and confident, and I watched in awe at the number of fouette turns they did. I know we were supposed to root for Odette and Prince Siegfried, but Odile had us in a trance–no wonder Siegfried fell for it!

The dancer was expressive, showcasing a delicate, timid nature in the role of Odette when meeting with the Prince. She certainly embodied the movements of a swan as the duo immaculately danced across the stage.

With a talented company of dancers, beautiful, detailed costumes, and stunning choreography, I can see why Swan Lake is a masterpiece!

Nerubashenko Ballet presents Swan Lake will continue its UK tour throughout January 2023.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Queenz: The Show With Balls! – Arts Theatre

🎭 Queenz: The Show with Balls!
📍 Arts Theatre
🎫 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
🎫 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
🎫 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
📱 Text 07860 039967
📧 pat@papyrus-uk.org
Papyrus website

Samartians
📞 116 123
📱 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 Adékoluẹjo), 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!

Adékoluẹjo’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; Adékoluẹjo and Rimi’s onstage chemistry was undeniable.

Delia (Ronke Adékoluẹjo) 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

& Juliet – Shaftesbury Theatre

🎭 &Juliet
📍 Shaftesbury Theatre
💷 £25
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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