Adam Strong Archives - North West End UK

10Dec

By Katie LeicesterNo Comments

North West

Robin Hood – Opera House, Manchester

It’s pantomime season once again, that magical time of year when theatres fill with laughter, music, mischief, and festive cheer. Robin Hood is my second pantomime of the season, and it captures everything that makes panto such a cherished Christmas tradition for families. It remains the perfect introduction to musical theatre for children as it’s colourful, silly, interactive, and bursting with joy. But make no mistake, the adults were laughing just as much as the kids. Jason Manford leads the show as Robin Hood, the familiar hero of Sherwood Forest who steals from the rich to give to the poor, all while hopelessly smitten with Maid Marion, played delightfully by Sarah Vaughan. Manford’s ease with an audience and natural stand-up rhythm makes his Robin warm, nimble, and consistently fu...

15Jul

By Jackie FoottitNo Comments

Yorkshire & Humber

Rocky Horror Show – Hull New Theatre

A reviewer’s job is not without risks and the sights I saw on Monday evening at the Hull New Theatre will probably scar me for life. Males in fishnet stockings and suspenders, strutting around in stiletto heels. Some were even wearing make-up - shock, horror. But that’s enough about the audience. The Rocky Horror Show was in town, performing to theatregoers who were obviously determined to get into the spirit of the well-known madcap production; hence the proliferation of fishnets, maids’ outfits, gold lamé top hats and tails, long black cloaks and black lacy costumes in many different designs, mainly worn by the females in the audience. There can’t be a person on this planet, or even off the planet, who hasn’t heard of Richard O’Brien’s infamous rock ’n’ roll musical and the s...

Fishnets and Fame: Adam Strong Embraces His Dream Role

26Jun

By NewsdeskNo Comments

Interviews

Fishnets and Fame: Adam Strong Embraces His Dream Role

Bright lights, corsets, and glorious transgression: this July, the iconic Hull New Theatre will be taken over by one of stage musical’s most outrageous characters—Dr Frank ’n’ Furter. Standing centre stage is Adam Strong, the Sunderland-born performer embarking on his debut in this legendary role as part of the blockbuster UK tour running from 14th to 19th July. Where are you from? I grew up in Sunderland and am based just outside of Durham, although I'm never there due to work. When did you first realise you had some talent and who encouraged you? My sister was a dancer for many years, and I used to love watching her, especially in the panto at the Sunderland Empire, which she did for many years. She was the one who encouraged me to get started in musical theatre and hel...

16Aug

By Paul ClarkeNo Comments

Yorkshire & Humber

Aladdin – Bradford Alhambra

This classic tale of a poor Arabian boy given three wishes by a Genie in a bottle so he could woo a princess was perfect for an Oscar winning Disney animation, and let’s be honest an obvious choice for a stage production. It’s not surprising this high energy show had been seen by 15 million people worldwide as it cunningly melded 1950s musical tropes with a knowing and often funny book by Chad Beguelin, where the Princess was a feminist, and the old order came under threat. But if you didn’t want any subtle subtexts, then you could just wallow in a warm heated show full of extravagant sets, and some big numbers. The tone was set from One Jump Ahead as Kerry Spark’s streetwise Aladdin jumped around a street market as a big ensemble danced around him. After a slightly shaky start...

25May

By Peter RuddickNo Comments

North West

Disney’s Aladdin – Palace Theatre

Released at the peak of the Disney renaissance, Aladdin stormed the box office in 1992 and has remained one of the most well-loved animated movies of all time. Its success and enduring appeal is due in no small part to its award-winning music. The late, very great lyricist Howard Ashman was the man behind the original pitch. He worked with composer Alan Menken on the project until Ashman’s untimely death with AIDS. Tim Rice then picked up the lyrical baton and the final soundtrack is a work of genius. Given that, it was perhaps a surprise it took so long for the film to transfer to the stage. The Broadway production has now been running for a decade. This, though, is the first time the show has played in the North West. It is well worth the wait. This is a riot of joyous sound and...

3Nov

By Beth EltringhamNo Comments

Scotland

Disney’s Aladdin – Edinburgh Playhouse

As a childhood favourite movie for a lot of people, Disney had a lot of work cut out for them to translate the magical animated masterpiece onto the live stage. Whilst they have some fantastic cast members and wonderful costumes, I’m sad to say the magic fell a little short. One cannot deny that the casting choices of the production team are impeccable: Gavin Adams plays the perfect cheeky thief Aladdin. His vocals never waver along with his energy. Our Princess Jasmine (Desmonda Cathabel) is head strong, witty and regal; she makes the perfect Princess Jasmine, bringing the animated beauty to life. Also true to the movie our villain Jafar (Adam Strong) has nailed the voice made famous by Jonathan Freeman and of course the laugh. Beside him Angelo Paragoso makes a hilarious Iago (huma...