Zain Russell, Author at North West End UK

21Dec

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Cinderella – Kings Head Theatre

I had the luxury of seeing Cinderella in Pantomime at the Kings Head Theatre in Islington. They have 2 varieties of this performance with a family showing and an adults only showing. I had the pleasure of seeing the adults only showing with different guest performances throughout their running. A standout feature of this show is the inclusion of voiceovers by none other than Dame Judi Dench and Miriam Margolyes. Their iconic voices add an extra touch of magic and prestige to an already delightful production. True to pantomime tradition, the show is packed with audience participation, cheesy jokes, and a script that keeps the laughter rolling from start to finish. As an adults-only performance, it adds an extra layer of risqué humour and cheeky innuendos, making it an unforgettable ex...

6Dec

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Homo Alone – The Other Palace

Homo Alone is an uproariously entertaining musical parody of the beloved Christmas classic Home Alone, but with a twist that injects fresh humour, unexpected plot turns, and a ton of campy fun. From its inventive storyline to its clever performances, the show breathes new life into the familiar tale of Kevin McCallister—a young boy who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on a holiday trip to Paris. While staying true to the core premise of Home Alone, Homo Alone spices things up with a series of delightful additions and twists. The show not only follows Kevin’s mischievous antics but also enriches the narrative with cheeky references to iconic pop culture moments. From nods to The Wizard of Oz and Wicked to Celine Dion tributes, the humour is fresh, sharp, and bursting ...

13Nov

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Nine Sixteenths – Pleasance Theatre

Nine Sixteenths, created and starring Paula Varjack, is a dynamic play centered on Black female role models and their portrayal in the music industry. The performance is short, fast-paced, and includes a few comical moments that had the audience laughing alongside the cast. The highlights included some spirited dancing and outrageously funny lip-syncing, adding a light-hearted touch to the production. However, the play frequently broke the fourth wall, with Varjack sharing her motivations and inspirations behind the production—a choice that occasionally disrupted the flow. The central focus of the play was the cultural impact of Janet Jackson’s infamous Super Bowl moment, examining both how Jackson navigated this incident and how it reverberated across the industry, particularly for...

2024 Fireworks Festival – Alexandra Palace

5Nov

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

2024 Fireworks Festival – Alexandra Palace

The 2024 Fireworks Festival at Alexandra Palace Park made a vibrant return, treating visitors to a dazzling display and a full evening of entertainment. Spanning the expansive grounds, the event featured activities and attractions spread across various areas, creating an atmosphere that was lively yet well-organized. From the outset, entering the park was a smooth experience. The event staff were attentive, efficiently managing the flow of guests and ensuring a welcoming and easy entry. Depending on your entrance, you were immediately immersed in the bustling energy of the festival. Inside the park, the variety of food trucks and bars added to the festive feel, offering an array of delicious options, including both meat and vegetarian choices. The bars were well-stocked, and the wint...

Slave: A Question of Freedom – Riverside Studios

2Nov

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Slave: A Question of Freedom – Riverside Studios

Slave: A Question of Freedom is a powerful performance that transports the audience to the Nuba Mountains, where we are introduced to Mende Nazer in her childhood. We see Mende with her family, singing, dancing, playing, attending school, and enjoying the wonders of life. This remarkable true story soon shifts gears, confronting us with the brutal reality and horrors inflicted by humankind. We witness the devastation as Mende’s village is raided, families are killed, and children are taken—forced into lives they never wanted or deserved. The play delves into the ongoing existence of modern slavery, vividly portraying the tragic reality that such horrors are still a part of our world. The scenes make references to incidents including sexual violence, murder, female circumcision and many ...

21Oct

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Bridge Command – Mission: Intrigue

Bridge Command was a fully immersive experience from the moment you step inside. The actors and staff actively encourage you to engage and make the experience your own. Upon arrival at the venue, conveniently located near Vauxhall station, you're asked to suit up in your uniform, preparing for your mission. Next, you're taken through a “teleportation” sequence, which transports you to a new area: the bar. While the teleportation effect is very cool, it involves a lot of flashing lights. If you're sensitive to this type of lighting or have any conditions affected by flashing lights, it's a good idea to inform the staff beforehand, which they also check for before entry. The bar itself is fully decked out in a space-themed design. The bartenders were cheerful and chatty, making it a gr...

Q the Music: The James Bond Concert Spectacular – Indigo at the 02

15Oct

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Q the Music: The James Bond Concert Spectacular – Indigo at the 02

Q The Music: The James Bond Concert Spectacular truly lives up to its name as a remarkable tribute to the iconic music of the James Bond film series. Set against the backdrop of a live orchestra, the orchestra expertly guides the audience through the memorable soundtracks that have defined so many of these legendary Hollywood blockbusters. The orchestra itself is outstanding, effortlessly transitioning from the slow, dramatic pieces that build tension to the faster, more action-packed scores that accompany Bond’s most thrilling moments. Their versatility shone through, capturing the mood of each scene with precision. With such an extensive catalogue to choose from, it was impressive how well the orchestra covered a wide array of fan favourites. As they mentioned during the show, if your...

10Oct

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Jeezus! – Brixton House

Jeezus! is an original musical directed by Laura Killeen, written and performed by Sergio Antonio, and featuring Guido Garcia Lueches alongside him. The play follows a young queer boy, played by Antonio, as he navigates the complexities of his identity and upbringing in a conservative Catholic setting. It delves into themes of faith, identity, and the societal pressures faced by the LGBTQ+ community within religious structures. Through scenes set against the backdrop of Catholic rituals and biblical chapters, the musical humorously explores how growing up in a faith-driven household affects one’s understanding of self and sexuality. The show highlights the conflict between a person’s spirituality and their struggle for acceptance, both from their community and within themselves, when th...

Julius Caesar – Southwark Playhouse Borough

17Sep

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Julius Caesar – Southwark Playhouse Borough

The Southwark Playhouse Borough’s production of Julius Caesar offers a futuristic reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic tale of political intrigue and the lust for power. While the adaptation remains faithful to the original text and preserves the integrity of Shakespearean language, it falters in its execution, particularly in its attempts to merge modern technological elements with a centuries-old script. The integration of futuristic concepts—such as the use of advanced technology, weapons, and projections—initially seems like a bold choice. The clash between the antiquated language and the modernized aesthetic often feels forced, making it challenging for the audience to remain fully immersed in the world of the play. That said, the production’s technical achievements were impress...

Barista the Musical – The Capitol Horsham

13Sep

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Barista the Musical – The Capitol Horsham

Barista is the latest hit musical that beautifully blends romance, humour, and vibrant culture. The show tells the captivating love story between expat Isabella, played by the ever-charming Sara Bartos and a coffee entrepreneur, portrayed by the charismatic George Crawford. Their chemistry forms the emotional heart of the production, set against the backdrop of coffee, culture, and unexpected connections. The performance kicks off with high energy, featuring powerful vocals, dynamic choreography, and an infectious sense of humour that sets the tone for the entire show. Right from the opening number, the pacing is swift and seamless, with each scene flowing naturally into the next, never allowing a dull moment. It's a refreshing change of pace, offering a story set between the contrastin...