Musical Geek - Musical Theatre Reviews

University Theatre Groups I always imagine will be a ‘hot bed’ of future talent, imagine I might see at least one or two potential West End Stars and with Guild Musical Theatre Group (University of Birmingham) I wasn’t disappointed. Jonathan Larson’s ‘Rent’ is a deceptively complex piece of theatre to deliver well but, under the prodigious direction of Tash Wills this team give it every ounce of the passion and drive it needs. Choreography from Rochelle Jack is slick and completely integrated with the on stage action, complemented every step of the way by Larson’s score, ably supplied by Musical Directors, Joe Diggle/Jude Connolly and their on stage band. Will Jackson is engaging and lucid as Mark, vitally so as the story simply wouldn’t flow without him, joined by Joe Griffiths-Bloor as an emotionally dynamic Roger. These two characters are at the centre of an intriguing array of interwoven stories that can easily become confused if the audience isn’t totally absorbed in the perform...

So Rydell High has decamped to the salubrious surroundings of Netherton Arts Centre for just a few days and as MD Nick Jeavons strikes-up the overture, I could feel the buzz of anticipation from family and friends of The Young Ones. Deep breath as the curtain opens and I started searching for the 'bar', no not the one that serves the drinks but, the one set so incredibly high by Katie Woolman's choreography as the cast stylishly fill the relatively compact stage with some highly coordinated moves and sounds (I challenge anybody not to hum along, Grease is the 'word' after all). Stage Crew (Team Hazelwood) under the direction of Stage Manager, Stewart Homer, transfer us seamlessly to the bleachers and cafe tables of Rydell High and we are slowly introduced to the principal cast. The Pink Ladies, a quietly smouldering Rizzo from Mia Price, Shannon Lee's vivacious Marty, the food focused Jan from Niamh Walker and the arrestingly likeable Frenchy by Izzy Westley-S...

If anybody thought it was possible to find a subject that a musical can't be written about they probably thought that a 'toxic mutant superhero' was a safe bet but, that was until Joe DiPietro and David Bryan came along with The Toxic Avenger which could very well achieve 'cult' status along with the likes of Rocky Horror and Little Shop of Horrors if it continues to be a choice for regular productions. Old Joint Stock Musical Theatre Company in their intimate performance space seem to be able to conjure up something special with anything they take on and much credit must go to Adam Carver's inventive direction and some ingeniously controlled choreography from Sarah Haines. Richard Haines proves what an exceptional performer he is with the dual role of geeky Melvin Ferd (the Third) and superhero 'The Toxic Avenger' spending much of the performance in a grotesque mask which must make movement a challenge (not that any such obstacle is noticeable). Not...

When it comes to reviewing youth productions I am always expecting a smattering of talent on stage, however of late the depth of such talent is increasing at an alarming rate and this production by Prince Henry's High School in Evesham is no exception. Have to say I'm glad I wasn't involved in the casting as it must have been extremely difficult with only a relatively small principal cast and quite obviously more than enough individuals vying for those roles. Said principal cast are it's fair to say exceptional in so many ways, if it isn't some mesmerising characterisation from Alexander Gough as The Hon Gerald Bolingbroke, it's the forthright acting talent of Cameron Muir as Sir John Tremayne (if not so young I'd believe the scenes of drunkenness were from personal experience), Olivia O'Sullivan as the matriarchal Maria, Duchess of Dene and Toby Haycock as Charles the Butler. Looking for some comedy, look no further than Thomas Lacey's wheelchai...