Tag: west end theatre

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REVIEW: Every Brilliant Thing – sohoplace

 TW: Mention of mental health, depression, and suicide. 

 Written by Duncan MacMillan and Jonny Donahue, the play tells the story of a child who shares their experience growing up with a mother who suffers from depression. We learn that the mother has attempted to take her own life, and so the child comes up with an idea – create a list of everything worth living for.

Things like ice cream, water fights & staying up late, it becomes a long list of various brilliant things, no matter how big or small! The show moves through the child’s youth, into adulthood, where we notice that things become more mature and emotional. I remember when ‘falling in love’ received a big ‘awwww’ from our audience. 

The subject matter is tough but important. It highlights how we talk about depression and suicide, and the reasons to keep going. It’s a beautiful reminder that joy can be found in even the simple moments. What makes Every Brilliant Thing unique is the audience. They’re a key part of the show, as they are chosen to read out numbers from the list or even joining the performers on stage to play characters in the story.

With five performers performing over the next few months…Comedy icon, Lenny Henry, took to the stage on the evening I went! Lenny is effortlessly charming and so naturally funny. His performance felt authentic, as if we were hearing his personal story, a testament to his engaging stage presence! He has an aura that draws us all in. It’s humorous, and heartfelt; we laugh and smile with him as he performs this interactive play.

At first, I was unsure about audience participation but it works beautifully. The show acknowledges the sensitive themes and allows room for empathy. We are encouraged to imagine the experience through the perspective of a child, and also end the stigma around talking about mental health.

Despite the larger scale venue, the show felt quite intimate I felt a really sweet sense of community & support. There were raucous applauses for the brave audience members who improvised on stage alongside Lenny – I loved it! And what’s special about the play is that every performance will be different!

I left reflecting on my own brilliant things. I actually used to keep a gratitude journal, and while I don’t have it at the moment (inspired to start one again!), I do try to ask my close ones, “What are you grateful for this week?”

Every Brilliant Thing plays at sohoplace until 8 November!

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REVIEW: The Devil Wears Prada Musical – Dominion Theatre

🎭 The Devil Wears Prada Musical
📍Dominion Theatre
🎟️ Gifted
⭐⭐⭐

I attended the Gala Night performance of The Devil Wears Prada Musical, where an array of icons were in attendance including Elton John, Donatella Versace and Anna Wintour! It was an evening so stylish, that even Miranda Priestly might have cracked a smile.

The story

The stage adaption of Lauren Weisbeger’s book and the popular 2006 film starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway, has been one of the most-anticipated shows of the year. With an original score by the legendary Elton John, lyrics by Shaina Taub & Mark Sonnenblick and a book by Kate Wetherhead, The Devil Wears Prada guarantees a fun evening at the theatre.

Photo by Matt Crockett

The story follows Andrea ‘Andy’  Sachs (Georgie Buckland), a recent college grad and aspiring journalist who is on the hunt for a job. Andy lands herself a role as an assistant at Runway, a prestigious fashion magazine despite having no interest in fashion! Her boss, Miranda Priestly (Vanessa Williams), is the ruthless editor-in-chief who pushes Andy to her limits as she struggles to balance her ambition, personal values, and the cut-throat fashion industry.

My thoughts

Directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, the show is packed with upbeat songs, lively dance routines and the most extravagant costumes you’ll see on the West End. Visually, the show is marvellous! Tim Hatley’s scenic design shines, particularly in Act 2, where we are transported to Paris, with the sites of the Eiffel Tower, glittering in the background. There were also lavish runway moments, with the cast strutting through the aisles in extravagant gowns.

I wished the score was as exciting as the visuals. Some of the music fell flat, with lazy lyrics and forgettable melodies. Even the Act 1 finale song – despite its grand staging with bold red and black palettes – was mediocre. Most of the music had a disco-pop and eighties feel, with fun tracks like Emily’s ‘Runway’ and Nigel’s ‘Dress Yourself Up’. These were the standouts, particularly ‘Dress Yourself Up’ which brought energy and style, featuring fabulous choreography from the ensemble.

Photo by Matt Crockett

Florals for spring might not be groundbreaking, but the performances certainly were! Making her West End debut, Georgie Buckland stars as Andy Sachs, showcasing phenomenal vocals and riffs for days! While Amy Di Bartolomeo brings a unique portrayal of Emily, the first assistant to Miranda, which I loved! Her comic presence & the delivery of witty lines paired with her impressive vocals made her one of my favourite characters in the show. Her subplot with the Hot Nurse was also amusing, even if the song felt more like filler.

Photo by Matt Crockett

Another supporting character who stole the show was Matt Henry in the role of Miranda’s stylist, Nigel. Henry’s performance was fantastic, from his showstopping number ‘Dress Yourself Up’ to ‘Seen’, the heartfelt ballad about his journey at Runway. These supporting characters elevated the production and made fresh additions to the TDWP story, which I appreciated.

Vanessa Williams was iconic as Miranda Priestley, commanding the stage with style and gravitas. Her entrance was superb and so funny; rising dramatically from the depths of the stage—was nothing short of devilishly brilliant.  Williams portrayed a more empathetic Miranda Priestly than the film’s icy version. I much preferred this take on the character – it felt more nuanced and relatable. With all the music in this show, I wished for more big musical numbers from Miranda, which never quite materialised.

Photo by Matt Crockett

I must confess that I had not watched the film until days before I saw the musical! While I appreciated the production for staying true to the film, complete with iconic lines and references, it felt like this stage adaptation didn’t dig much deeper. I didn’t care much for the characters, and there seemed to be a lack of chemistry between them (particularly Andy and her partner Nate). As a result, Andy’s climactic decision lacked the emotional impact it deserved, especially with this more sympathetic Miranda. The overall show felt a bit manufactured and lacking in substance—though this may be more of a reflection on the source material than the production itself.

While The Devil Wears Prada musical doesn’t fully deliver, the stunning visuals and standout performances make this a glamorously entertaining night out!

The Devil Wears Prada is currently playing at The Dominion Theatre until October 2025

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The Stage Debut Awards 2024

On Sunday 29 September 2024, I attended The Stage Debut Awards. The Debut Awards highlight breakthrough actors, writers, directors, designers, composers/lyricists across 8 categories.

I had the amazing opportunity to meet the award nominees, guest performers, and hosts. I loved speaking with them, learning about their journey & their excitement to be part of this joyous ceremony!

Here are my interviews from the evening:

Joshua Ginsberg – Nominee for Best Performer in a Musical for ‘Cable Street‘

How does it feel to be nominated?

Joshua: It’s an honour. I’m so proud of this show and to be a part of it. I’m very happy to be here.

Would you mind telling us about Cable Street?

Joshua: It’s set in 1936 and is the story of three different communities. A time when Oswald Moseley’s British Union Fascists were on the rise. There was a battle on Cable Street to blockade the march. It’s a story of communities coming together to rise up and stand for what’s right.

Any advice for young, aspiring performers trying to make it into Musical Theatre?

Joshua: Just be patient and focus on your craft. Keep developing your skills. There can be a lot of rejection, you’ve just got to persevere.

Francesca Amewudah-Rivers – Nominee for Best West End Debut for ‘Romeo + Juliet’

How does it feel to be nominated?

Francesca: It feels great – I am very humbled to be in a room with so many amazing people who I’ve looked up to for the longest time. Especially now to be able to celebrate. It was a tough old job, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be like, “Yeah, I did that!” We did that – the community. It’s a win for all of us! It was all of us that got me through this. I couldn’t have done this without the community support. My fellow black creative communities. It’s amazing, I’m celebrating for all of us.

Any advice for aspiring creatives, particularly Black creatives?

Francesca: Make your own work. ‘Kola Nut’ (at Bush Theatre) was an experiment with West African storytelling and that was the beauty of that show. We were bringing our creative flexes into the space. Keep on working on your own thing, your own craft. Connect with your culture. That is what is going to carry you through. That is the secret ingredient! (laughs) That’s the sauce! It’s important. You’re not alone, it’s spiritual, it’s ancestral. We’re all behind you. 

Daniel Bailey – Winner for Best Creative West End debut for ‘Red Pitch’

How does it feel to win ‘Best Creative West End debut’?

Daniel: It feels good. It’s good to be recognised for the work you do. And it’s about recognising all those that contributed to the show and made the show what it was.

How did it feel moving ‘Red Pitch’ from Bush Theatre to the West End

Daniel: I felt it needed the space to grow. I will always love it at the Bush, but I wanted us to be able to reach new audiences. It still felt like it kept its authenticity. It still kept its south London swag. It was good to come up in the West End and have us, unapologetically Black. Unapologetically from the ends in West End

Any advice for aspiring directors/creatives?

Daniel: Your unique selling point is you. There’s no one else that can be you, better than you. And that also applies to the work that you make. Bring yourself to it as much as you can. Don’t hide that part of yourself.

Azuka Oforka – Winner for Best Writer for ‘The Women of Llanrumney’

Congratulations! How does it feel to have won ‘Best Writer’?

Azuka: To win ‘Best Writer’, for your first play – I’d say it’s a dream come true. But I honestly didn’t dream of this. Just to be commissioned to write a story that you’re passionate about, is a dream come true.

Any advice for aspiring writers?

Azuka: Finish your plays. Consistency is really important. I’m 42 – and I made my debut at 42 years old. If I was consistent, I might have had an earlier debut (laughs). Finish the work, share the work, and hopefully you get feedback. Feedback helps you grow and become a better writer.

And how are you going to celebrate?

Azuka: I only sipped slowly on a glass of bubbly earlier, because I was nervous. Now, I’m going to sip quicker! (laughs)

The Winners in Full:

Best Performer in a Play (Sponsored by Theatrical Rights Worldwide):
● Ellie-May Sheridan for London Tide at National Theatre, London
● Louis McCartney for Stranger Things: The First Shadow at Phoenix Theatre, London

Best Performer in a Musical (Sponsored by Michael Harrison Entertainment):
● Jeevan Braich for Starlight Express at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, London
● Grace Hodgett Young for Sunset Boulevard at Savoy Theatre, London

Best Director (Sponsored by Arts Council England):
● Sophie Drake for The Bleeding Tree at the Southwark Playhouse Borough, London

Best Designer (Sponsored by Preevue):
● Nathan Amzi and Joe Ransom (video) for Sunset Boulevard at Savoy Theatre,
London

Best Writer (Sponsored by Sonia Friedman Productions):
● Sam Grabiner for Boys on the Verge of Tears at Soho Theatre, London
● Azuka Oforka for The Women of Llanrumney at Sherman Theatre, Cardiff

Best Composer, Lyricist or Book Writer (Sponsored by Crossroads Live):
● Jack Godfrey for 42 Balloons at The Lowry, Manchester

Best West End Debut Performer (Sponsored by Noël Coward Foundation):
● Jack Wolfe for Next to Normal at Wyndham’s Theatre, London

Best Creative West End Debut (Sponsored by Trafalgar Entertainment):
● Daniel Bailey (director) for Red Pitch at @sohoplace, London

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REVIEW: Standing at the Sky’s Edge – Gillian Lynne Theatre

🎭 Standing at the Sky’s Edge
📍 Gillian Lynne Theatre
🎟️PR invite
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Following two successful runs in Sheffield and London, and many prestigious awards, Standing at the Sky’s Edge returns to London for a West End run, proving what a remarkable, new musical it is!

Set in a brutalist housing estate in Sheffield, the story spans over 5 decades, focusing on three families who lived in the same flat. Written by Chris Bush, their stories showcase significant moments and changes on the Park Hill estate. In the sixties, we meet newlyweds, Harry and Rose (Joel Harper-Jackson and Rachael Wooding), bursting with optimism and joy as they arrive in their new home, longing to complete their family with a child. In the nineties, we see teenager Joy (Elizabeth Ayodele), a refugee who has fled Liberia with her cousins Grace and George (Sharlene Hector and Baker Mukasa), arriving in Sheffield. In 2015, Poppy (Laura Pitt-Pulford), a Londoner, moves to the regenerated estate, following a breakup with her fiancee.

Photo by Brinkhoff-Moegenburg

All three narratives overlap in this multi-generational story. It is a heartwrenching yet powerful production about hopes and dreams. Sky’s Edge beautifully touches on love, loss and the importance of community. 

Ben Stone’s set design marvellously replicates the brutalist ‘streets in our sky’ architecture of the Park Hill estate. With towering flats, concrete pillars, walkways, and balconies that see the ensemble walk and dance through. There’s an intimacy with the set design, especially as we watch the band perform across two levels of the set. This is further exemplified by the new space at Gillian Lynne Theatre, which sees the ensemble perform in the theatre aisles. The design is complete with the notable, “I love you, will you marry me?” graffiti, a spectacle to look at during the final scenes, against Mark Henderson’s warm orange and yellow-toned lighting. 

Photo by Brinkhoff-Moegenburg

With music from Sheffield singer-songwriter, Richard Hawley, the musical also guides us through the history of Park Hill and its iconic building over the decades. Bush is a gifted playwright; they brilliantly explore the socioeconomic impact on the Park Hill residents over the years including unemployment, anti-social behaviour and the end of social housing. The show also includes immigration, gentrification and politics. There are references to the 2016 EU Referendum and Thatcher’s policies – key moments in the British political landscape that had an impact on people’s livelihoods and society as a whole. 

Photo by Brinkhoff-Moegenburg

This is unlike most ‘jukebox’ musicals and is incredibly unique with how the themes are presented. Under Robert Hastie’s direction, the three timelines are intertwined, and performed simultaneously on stage, with the characters sharing the living space. It’s an ingenious directorial choice which becomes meaningful towards later scenes. Through captivating storytelling and heavenly vocals, the performances from the cast are passionate, and filled with raw emotion that left members of the audience teary-eyed.

Photo by Brinkhoff-Moegenburg

I enjoyed Joy’s storyline and her sweet blossoming relationship with local teen, Jimmy (Samuel Jordan), while Poppy and her ex-girlfriend, Nicky (Lauryn Redding) provided us with plenty of humour. Wooding and Harper-Jackson perform in moving scenes as we watch the breakdown of their marriage, which has devastating consequences. Wooding’s heartbreaking rendition of ‘After the Rain’ was one of my standouts. I also loved the moments from the ensemble cast whenever they led the songs and choreography, further adding to the sense of community that is present throughout the show. 

While I wasn’t familiar with Hawley’s music, the songs complement the story wonderfully. The stunning musical arrangements are packed with emotions ranging from joy to rage, particularly in numbers like ‘The Streets Are Ours’  and the gripping Act 1 finale, ‘There’s A Storm Coming’.

Photo by Brinkhoff-Moegenburg

Often defined as a love letter to Sheffield, Standing at the Sky’s Edge provides a universal experience. Its themes of home, community, resilience and change resonate with many, including myself. Chris Bush, who hails from Sheffield, has crafted a beautiful story that is filled with heart, and authenticity and is an example of a modern musical theatre masterpiece!

Standing at the Sky’s Edge plays at the Gillian Lynne Theatre until Saturday 3rd August 2024

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NEWS: ‘WHY AM I SO SINGLE?’ Toby Marlow & Lucy Moss’ new big fancy musical is heading to the West End.

From the multi-award-winning writers of SIX, Toby Marlow & Lucy Moss, comes their all-new,  highly anticipated second musical, WHY AM I SO SINGLE? This Big Fancy Musical follows two besties through the ups, and mostly downs, of their dating lives in the era of Tinder (and Bumble  and Grindr and Hinge and Feeld). This musical extravaganza about love, dating, friendship – and bees – explores the weird and wonderful hilariousness of being single.  

A celebration of friendship and love, WHY AM I SO SINGLE? asks how two super interesting,  super cool, super fun pals could possibly still be single?!? This extraordinary and totally unexplainable situation faced by our fabulous duo is made even more complicated by the fact that, on a completely unrelated note, they also need to find a really great topic for their next musical.  

Lead casting has been announced.  

Jo Foster (& Juliet; Just For One Day, West End;) will return from the show’s early workshop to  co-star in this epic musical for the ages. They will be seen alongside the newly cast Leesa Tulley

(SIX, UK Tour; Kin, Theatro Technis) as their bff. Together they will navigate the difficult modern  dating world and how to flirt with your Deliveroo driver, all with their best friend firmly by their  side. They are joined on stage by Noah Thomas (Everything Now, Netflix; Everybody’s Talking  About Jamie, West End). The ensemble casting is to be announced.  

Featuring epic pop and musical-inspired songs by the dynamic writing team of Marlow & Moss  (described by British Vogue as the ‘future of musical theatre’), and high-energy choreography by  Ellen Kane (Matilda the Musical, Working Title Films; Dear England, National Theatre/West  End), WHY AM I SO SINGLE? is set to dazzle the dating world this autumn.  

Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss comment, This is ultimately a musical about two friends, their  desire for love, and how they deal with loneliness. We hope people come away feeling super  uplifted. And we hope they text someone the second they leave the theatre saying ‘omigosh just  fyi i love you soooo much!!!!’ 

Box Office Tickets are available from £20 at www.whyamisosingle.com

Running Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including an interval)
Age Guidance: 14+, contains adult themes and language Access https://thegarricktheatre.co.uk/your-visit/#tab-access 

Accessible Performances:
Saturday 21st September 2024 (Audio Described)
Friday 18th October 2024 (BSL interpreted) 
Saturday 25th January 2025 (Captioned)

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NEWS: Sister Act The Musical Wins 2023 London Lifestyle Awards for Theatre Show of the Year!

Running for the 13th year, the London Lifestyle Awards celebrates one of the greatest cities in the world, and the businesses that contribute to it. The ceremony took place on Monday, October 30th, 2023 at the glamorous Grosvenor House on Park Lane.

 The annual awards span various categories, including restaurants, bars, hotels, hair and beauty,  and, of course, theatre. Sister Act The Musical won the Theatre Show of the Year Award at the London Lifestyle Awards 2023.

The competition was fierce, with a closely contested shortlist featuring some of the most remarkable shows from the past year! 

The Theatre Show of the Year TOPTEN shortlist included the following popular theatre shows:  2:22 A Ghost Story, A Streetcar Named Desire, Dirty Dancing, Guys & Dolls, Legally Blonde, My Neighbour Totoro, My Son’s a Queer, SIX the Musical, and The Drifters Girl. 

Emerging West End star, Tobias Turley, represented by BBA Management, dazzled the audience with his rendition of ABBA’s “Does Your Mother Know.” Turley is currently competing on ITV’s Mamma Mia! I Have a Dream and was one of the many talented performers who graced the stage. Guests also enjoyed captivating musical performances by opera superstar Lucy Kay and Ben Haenow and his band.

Jason Gale, founder of London Lifestyle Awards®, expressed his enthusiasm for Sister Act The Musical’s well-deserved win, describing it as a “feel-good gospel hit” brimming with heart. He highlighted the exceptional quality of theatre available to London audiences and extended a warm welcome to Sister Act for its return to the capital city in Spring 2024.

Congratulations to all the shortlisted nominees and the winners! 

For more, please visit www.britishlifestyleawards.com/London 

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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!

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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