Thursday, March 28

Tag: London Coliseum

The Handmaid’s Tale – London Coliseum
London

The Handmaid’s Tale – London Coliseum

How well do you remember the beginning of the end? Make sure to do your homework before attending this production of The Handmaid’s Tale where the London Coliseum transforms into the venue of a future-set historical conference where a stunning and severe white-pantsuited Professor Piexoto (Juliet Stevenson) directly addresses audience members in her introduction to the overtaped cassettes which comprise the narrative bulk of The Handmaid’s Tale. Eliciting a few laughs in her pithy introduction but primarily conveying static gravitas and the restrained sensitivity of an academic among peers, Stevenson commands the stage at the opera’s bookends. However, her forceful presence is at times an unfortunate distraction as she every so often, ever so covertly interrupts the action to change the t...
My Fair Lady – London Coliseum
London

My Fair Lady – London Coliseum

It’s hard to believe that ‘My Fair Lady’ is rapidly approaching its 60th anniversary.  The classic tale, based on George Bernard Shaw’s 1913 play ‘Pygmalion’, hasn’t been seen in London since the National Theatre’s Oliver-winning production in the early 2000s.  Director Bartlett Sher’s 2018 Broadway production has now taken up residence at London’s Coliseum, where it plays until late summer.  But is the story of plucky Eliza Doolittle’s transformation from common flower girl to sophisticated socialite at the teachings of Professor Henry Higgins still as “loverly” as it once was? The world has changed massively in the decades since the play and subsequent musical were written, in terms of attitudes towards women and gender equality, and in this regard “My Fair Lady” does ...
Rumi: The Musical – London Coliseum
London

Rumi: The Musical – London Coliseum

Such a spectacular piece can only be matched with the grand space of the London Coliseum; however, I feel this musical may have struggled to reach to the far edges due to its complexity and subtlety. Rumi is a world-famous poet, many know him without knowing they know him, and this piece does an excellent re-telling played by the talented Nadim Naaman who voice, like many of the cast, has no problem with reaching the heights of the theatre. Matched with Ramin Karimloo who plays his guide and equal in learning, with a 28-piece orchestra, this musical experience is no less than magic. The style and intention, however, was quite unclear. Knowing that this is an idea come to life in lockdown and has been a work in progress for a while I feel slightly forgiving to the unclear moments how...
Hairspray – London Coliseum
London

Hairspray – London Coliseum

Re-opening at one of London’s biggest theatres, the Coliseum, the West End revival of multi-award-winning musical Hairspray, set in the 1960s, tells the story of young girl Tracy Turnblad who strives to challenge racial discrimination on her favourite TV show. Following theatre’s highly anticipated return to full capacity after over a year of struggles, from the opening number “Good Morning Baltimore” this talented cast truly delivered an exceptional fun-filled evening as if nothing had changed. Jerry Mitchell’s high-energy choreography, David Rockwell’s eye-catching set and William Ivey Long’s colourful costumes offered a warm welcome back to live performance that the industry truly deserved. By the end of the final number “You Can’t Stop The Beat” everyone was dancing and singing ...
Les Dennis joins the huge-hearted Hairspray at the London Coliseum
NEWS

Les Dennis joins the huge-hearted Hairspray at the London Coliseum

Entertainment legend Les Dennis is to join the huge-hearted new production of Hairspray the Musical which is set to play a limited season at the magnificent London Coliseum from Monday 21st June – Wednesday 29th September 2021. As a comedian, impressionist, game show host, reality TV star, soap, screen and stage actor, Les Dennis’ showbiz career has spanned 50 years. Now, he is to return to the West End in the multi-award-winning smash hit musical as Wilbur Turnblad having previously performed the role on tour. He stars alongside Michael Ball, who returns to his legendary, Olivier Award-winning role of Edna Turnblad. Les replaces Paul Merton in the role of Wilbur. Following the delay to the production because of the pandemic, Paul is unfortunately not able to join the company due to...
I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change – London Coliseum (Online)
London

I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change – London Coliseum (Online)

Recorded during one of the toughest times for the theatre community, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is the perfect tonic we need in these tough times. Filmed on the stage at the London Coliseum and brought to us by Lambert Jackson Productions, the cast of four, Brenda Edwards, Alice Fearn, Simon Lipkin and Oliver Tompsett bring this hilarious and poignant show to our screen. It follows the highs and lows of first dates, loves, marriage, babies, in-laws and growing old together. Lipkin was brought in last minute due to the sad indisposition of Trevor Dion Nicholas. Lipkin has played the role before, rehearsed into the show for the afternoon and then immediately began filming. The show opens taking us through the beautiful interior of the theatre with eerie vocalisations and voic...
Title of Show – London Coliseum Online
London

Title of Show – London Coliseum Online

This one-act musical, by Hunter Bell and Jeff Bowen, is a musical about writing a musical. Yes, that’s right. Title of Show follows two writers in their quest to create “an original musical”. The complications, arguments and struggles are all aired out in this performance piece with a difference. It’s an ingenious concept. The action is constantly twisting and turning in this show within a show. It’s a complete musical with catchy numbers but also a work-in-progress where a song may be interrupted half-way through to be cut. Obviously with a lot more moments like this, it’s also a comedy. And it does offer a lot of laughs. “Four chairs and a keyboard does not a musical make” says one critic of the show… within the show. This performance proves that you can put on a musical with just...
Ramin Karimloo Live at The  London Coliseum
London

Ramin Karimloo Live at The London Coliseum

Whilst there is uncertainty of when we can view Live theatre in person. It’s events that are put on by stream theatre that really help us get through this challenging time. Prior to the show starting I must say it was a huge headache trying to log in to see the stream. Maybe this should be looked at if more shows are to be added. On to the concert itself. Ramin Karimloo is a giant in the world of musical theatre both on Broadway and in the west end. His debut was Les Misérables and in the show speaks of how great full he was to have this show in his life. He has always been a fan of the show and to have played Jean Valjean was an honour. If you haven’t seen him in shows such as Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera and Murder Ballad. You may recognise him on Tv Medical Drama Holby City ...
Tonight at the London Coliseum: Cassidy Janson
London

Tonight at the London Coliseum: Cassidy Janson

The most recent acoustic concert in the Tonight at the London Coliseum series features the star of Beautiful: the Carole King Musical and & Juliet, Cassidy Janson. Having already watched her livestream from her house earlier in the year, and seen her live in the intimate setting of the Coliseum’s Balcony Bar back in February, I have become familiar with her choice of songs, and this concert very much focuses on the crowd-pleasers and big-hitters. It remains a sad feeling to see any show broadcast from an empty space where an audience should be, however large or small. The beautiful Coliseum auditorium is lit up in reds, golds, and blues but without an audience there is a lack of energy and atmosphere. Janson, however, is a likeable and perceptive performer, and brings warmth to the...
Tonight at the London Coliseum: Carrie Hope Fletcher
London

Tonight at the London Coliseum: Carrie Hope Fletcher

From the moment I saw Carrie Hope Fletcher, I was mesmerised. A petite girl-next-door with a big voice, she blew me away when I saw snippets of her 3-year stint as Les Misérables’ tragic demi-heroine Éponine at the Queen’s Theatre, London, from 2013-2016. So, naturally, I jumped at the chance to review a one-time exclusive pre-recorded event - a night at the London Coliseum with Fletcher herself, delivered by Broadway on Demand. As the show was recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic, the performance took place in front of an empty theatre, but Carrie’s talent is such that all she needed was a microphone, a piano, and her tremendous voice. That was enough to fill the London Coliseum twice over, with plenty more to spare. What a performance it was! The only thing that was missing was t...