Musical Geek - Musical Theatre Reviews

I suspect that the enigma that is Bob Fosse spends a lot of time looking down from above on performances of productions with which he will be eternally linked, however he won't always be able to think to himself, 'that's exactly how I wanted it to be'. Ben Cole as Director/Choreographer, Ian Room as Musical Director and James Maddison as Assistant Musical Director will I am sure have made him (and John Kander/Fred Ebb) think exactly that as right from Adam Partridge's opening speech quoting murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery ,  the audience is entertained and enlightened with the seamier side of life in 1920's Chicago. This production is packed full of intense and incredible performances from both principals and ensemble cast, Claire Flavell's powerhouse Velma Kelly never reduces in intensity from the classic 'And All That Jazz' right through to my own personal favourite number 'Nowadays' and is matche

Panto has hit Kinver with traditional exuberance as a gloriously entertaining team take the audience to Hardup Hall in the village of Stoney Broke for a night of song, dance and comedy shenanigans, created with some swagger by Sam Houlston (Director) and Nina Best (Musical Director). Emma Davies is a delightfully innocent Cinderella around which the story revolves, protected by Ray Howell as her upright father Baron Hardup until he mistakenly gets hitched to money-pursuing Cathy Moreton, an entertainingly comic performance as the Baroness. Sadly a consequence of this liaison are two further daughters, the grotesquely ugly yet stunningly hilarious Gertrude and Grizelda, barnstorming performances from Brian Ashmead-Siers and Claire Jackson who take advantage of Cinders and considerable vocal exchanges with an enthusiastic audience. Trying desperately to pursue Cinders despite her distinct lack of reciprocal feelings, Ricky Dowell is a completely engaging Buttons building a touching