Tag: review

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Morveren – Barons Court Theatre

🎭 Morveren
📍 Barons Court Theatre
đŸŽ« 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.

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Nerubashenko Ballet presents Swan Lake

🎭 Swan Lake
📍Richmond Theatre
đŸŽ« 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.

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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!

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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! 😀 

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& 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!

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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