Musical Geek - Musical Theatre Reviews

Definitely some action down at Hardup Hall (temporarily relocated into Stourbridge Town Hall) as Stourbridge Pantomime Company present Cinderella and it isn't very often that I kick-off a review by focusing on the dance element but, this is quite outstanding to watch and Amy Roberts as Choreographer (and I might add dancer as well!) assisted by Natalie Nicholas as Dance Captain has done an incredibly professional job that would be equally at home on any stage in the world. One can't help but, find something completely captivating about Hannah Shillingford as Cinderella, she has so much to deal with and I really wanted her to ride off into the sunset with Amelia Humphries as Prince Charming as they make an idyllic couple. Maybe that happened after the curtains closed and if it did it was probably followed by an ocean of tears from Ricky Hammond's confidence lacking yet richly entertaining Buttons with witty quips for young and old. However let's talk ugly shall we, in th...

Aladdin is a particularly popular pantomime this year and one of the classics, given a traditional and highly entertaining treatment by Brierley Hill Musical Theatre Company. Managed to grab a few words with Director, Jo Gresswell and Choreographer, Sally Evans before the performance and it has obviously been a challenging time (as it has for many societies) with no certainty that this production would ever see an audience and their joy now that it has become reality was equally portrayed by an accomplished cast. If you are looking for driving energy, you need look no further than Krystian Wharton as Wishee Washee, a performer of considerable class in his own right and leaving everything on stage (including some outstanding ventriloquism skills) to the considerable delight of young and old. Chris Psaras is everything a Panto Dame should be as Widow Twankey and builds some considerable rapport with both sons, a little too much pleasure perhaps in covering Wishee in all sorts of unpleasa...