Zain Russell, Author at North West End UK

Beauty and the Beast – Greenwich Theatre

7Aug

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Beauty and the Beast – Greenwich Theatre

"Beauty and the Beast" is a beloved classic cherished by families across the globe. However, this new adaptation offers plenty of twists, new characters, and fresh plots, taking us on an entirely new spin of the well-known production. The cast was extraordinarily talented, not only acting, singing, and dancing but also providing the melodies for the show using various instruments, from guitars and accordions to even the small triangle. Each cast member's musical contributions enriched the performance, adding a unique charm for this whacky adventure. The story began by immersing us in the familiar tale of Beauty and the Beast. However, the Beast's character development felt lacking. He was immediately kind to Belle and, besides instructing her to clean, did not exhibit the loud or...

Kaleidoscope Festival – Alexandra Palace Park

16Jul

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Kaleidoscope Festival – Alexandra Palace Park

The Kaleidoscope Festival, set in the lush Alexandra Palace Park with stunning views across the London skyline, offered a vibrant array of activities, music, and performances throughout the day. The festival was exceptionally well-organized and maintained, providing ample space for attendees to enjoy the grounds, views, and diverse performances. One of the standout features of the festival was its cleanliness. There were plenty of bins and garbage bags strategically placed around the venue, ensuring that the festival remained mostly clean throughout the day. Additionally, the festival provided a large number of portable toilets, which were sufficient to accommodate the crowd without long queue times. Inside the building, where the Fringe Stage was located, there were also indoor toilets...

I’m Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire – Southwark Playhouse

6Jul

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

I’m Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire – Southwark Playhouse

‘I’m Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire’ takes audiences on a wacky ride, bringing them into the quaint and intimate setting of Southwark Playhouse Borough, which is creatively transformed to resemble a 14-year-old girl’s room. As you might have guessed, this girl is utterly obsessed with Tobey Maguire. Set in 2004, the play is drenched in nostalgia, featuring hit music from the era with songs by Britney Spears, Vanessa Carlton, Natasha Bedingfield, and Avril Lavigne. The story unfolds in Shelby's basement, which she has converted into her personal hub and shrine dedicated to her Tobey Maguire obsession. From the moment the performance begins, Tessa Albertson, playing Shelby, bursts onto the stage with infectious energy. Her portrayal vividly captures the wild infatuation and manic enthus...

28Jun

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

The Marilyn Conspiracy – Park Theatre

Who did it? What caused it? “The Marilyn Conspiracy" is a thought-provoking play that invites the audience to ponder the events leading up to Marilyn Monroe’s death. From the outset, it is clear that extensive research went into creating this magnificent play, which takes you on a journey of what could have happened and the reasons behind it. The play immediately introduces important historical characters who were "friends" of Monroe and perhaps involved in covering up something more sinister. Genevieve Gaunt embodies Monroe, showcasing the strong emotions that Marilyn was feeling on the day she died. Was she depressed, drunk, lonely or perhaps all three? The show highlights these emotions whilst allowing you to draw your own conclusions about what happened that night. The set initia...

Three Men in a Boat – The Mill at Sonning

17Jun

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Three Men in a Boat – The Mill at Sonning

Three Men in a Boat was performed in a delightfully charming theatre nestled by the waters of the Thames, just outside London in Sonning. The theatre itself featured a beautiful mill inside the building, adding to the unique and picturesque atmosphere of the venue. Each theatre ticket included an exemplary two-course meal, with attentive staff who ensured everyone was well looked after. The meal for me was the highlight, offering delicious options that catered to various tastes. The dining experience set a warm and inviting tone for the afternoon, making the audience feel well cared for even before the performance began. The production was set just before the First World War, highlighted by a poignant final image. It followed a trio of friends: Jerome, played by George Watkins; his b...

Black is the Color of My Voice – Stratford East

12Jun

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Black is the Color of My Voice – Stratford East

"Black is the Color of My Voice" is a captivating one-woman theatre production, both written and performed by the incredible Apphia Campbell. The show is inspired by the real life of Nina Simone and the show takes the audience on an emotional journey of reflection and revelation. Entering the performance, I knew little about Nina Simone's life and was only familiar with her famous hit "I Put a Spell on You." The production centers on Simone conversing with her late father, sharing poignant stories from her life and expressing her profound grief. Through these conversations, the audience gains insight into Simone's transformation from a young piano prodigy to a powerful voice in the Civil Rights Movement. The show effectively highlights Simone's impact as an activist, emphasising ...

Diva! Live from Hell! – King’s Head Theatre

8Jun

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Diva! Live from Hell! – King’s Head Theatre

Diva: Live from Hell! is a one-man musical performed by the sensational Luke Bayer. If you're anything like me, you might be sceptical about how one person can pull off a musical solo. Well, brace yourself to be engulfed by the flames of hell as you dive into a story that's unbelievably hot and laugh-out-loud funny. Bayer is an absolute menace on stage, seamlessly shifting between characters and embracing the role of an extravagant diva with exceptional ease, all while belting out great and catchy songs. This show is incredibly camp and nothing short of enjoyable from start to finish. The story starts off with a high school musical vibe, complete with catchy songs and energetic dances. It touches on themes of self-discovery and sexuality before spiralling down a devilish path, where the...

5Jun

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

The Finellis – Wonderville

"The Finellis" based on the 2022 movie of the same name, is a vibrant musical that tells the compelling story of Tony Finelli, portrayed by Mark Janicello, who strives to reintegrate into his family's life after a 15-year prison stint. Janicello delivers a convincing performance as the ex-felon Tony, grappling with reconnecting with his distant children and his ex-wife, who has moved on, all whilst being pursued by the relentless Mafia boss Mr Big, played by Michael Cristopher. The musical kicks off with an energetic start, filled with singing, dancing, and catchy tunes that keep the audience engaged. The pace is brisk, ensuring that there are no dull moments. The ensemble cast, although small, demonstrates remarkable versatility and chemistry, with most actors taking on dual role...

30May

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Fabulous Creatures – Arcola Theatre

“We used to kill, but now we cabaret!” “Fabulous Creatures,” written by Quentin Beroud and Emily Louizou, showcases creatures of Greek mythology in a captivating and unique setting. The story begins in a cabaret club where the monstresses welcome and seduce the audience members with their enchanting songs. The trio at the heart of the show includes Scylla, Charybdis, and a Siren. The narrative interweaves various Greek myths, mentioning a range of other creatures and Gods. The music, enticing from the start, features a variety of styles from ballads to disco pop and even rap, effectively moving the story along. Jazz Jenkins, who plays the Siren, particularly stands out with a stunning singing voice. The performance is set in one act and progresses quickly, transitioning from the caba...

20May

By Zain RussellNo Comments

London

Wifi-Sexual – Greenwich Theatre

"WiFi-Sexual" is “an outrageously dark romcom" that explores the concept of being in a relationship with AI. In our modern world, AI like Alexa, Google Home, and even Tesco’s self-checkout machines are integrated into our daily lives. But have you ever considered dating your AI tool? This show promises to explore what that could look like. The first act opens with laugh-out-loud comedy, highlighting the perks and challenges of being in a relationship with technology. It starts by depicting the craving for intimacy while hearing another's sexual encounters. The story centres on an awkward individual navigating the dating world, struggling to meet others and definitely not ready for the open conversations that his AI tool, Mandy, was ready to have with him, including very vocal phone sex....