Tag: musical

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Theatre review

Funny Girl, Savoy Theatre, London

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This is Funny Girl without Sheridan Smith.

Funny Girl is one of my favourite films. There is no getting away from the fact that it is a star vehicle and I was worried for any understudy undertaking the role. It has big emotional songs that need a big voice and a big personality to fill.

Natasha Barnes has a remarkable voice and sings the songs brilliantly. She had the audience totally on her side and received a full standing ovation at the end. She seemed genuinely moved by this.

Darius Campbell’s singing is really good. The big set dance pieces are beautifully choreographed. Joel Montague is excellent as Eddie. The Savoy Theatre itself is an Art Deco chocolate box and has to be the prettiest in London.

All in all a good night out. (Get well soon, Sheridan!)

Categories
Theatre review

Show Boat – New London Theatre

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A real piece of musical history! It is said that Showboat was the first musical in the style that we know today. It is easy to see why it was such a huge success when it was written in 1927. The characters and the songs are great and it has some wonderful dance numbers.

I like the fact that it has the feel of a period piece; it has an ensemble rather than two star roles and it also predates the big finale.

The quality of this production is high, the singers are very good and dancers are exceptional. I loved Show Boat and I highly recommend it.

Don’t go expecting “Hairspray”, “Miss Saigon” or “Legally Blonde” but do remember that they have their origins here!