Jackstage

 🌟 White Christmas 🌟 22 December 2023 at 7:30pm at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield ★★★★★ This past week began with Oliver! at Leeds Playhouse, then moving on to Sunset Boulevard at the Savoy Theatre. It was a pleasure to return to the Crucible for White Christmas, just 3 days before Christmas Day itself for a merry and cheery festive warmer. Irving Berlin's musical does exactly that, driving the holiday rom-com that left me beaming from ear to ear the whole show. I have seen a couple shows at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre, but this really astonished me with the venue's capabilities, such enchanting sequences that I never thought would be possible in such a condensed space. Seated on the second row (side) of the auditorium, there is such a closeness, and feeling of involvement. Directed by Paul Foster, the story of White Christmas is far from the show I expected. While it maintains the family dynamic characterised by Christmas, the story sees two army buddies team up with a...

 🌟 Sunset Boulevard 🌟 21 December 2023 at 2:30pm at Savoy Theatre, London ★★★★★ Sunset Boulevard. Ahead of this afternoon's performance, I had never come across this musical before. It has taken me a while to truly comprehend the immense impact this show holds. The way people had spoken about it was like nothing else, the sheer level of astonishment bewildered me, but Sunset Boulevard at the Savoy Theatre is theatrical perfection, that really has to be seen to believed. I'm at a point where I've written over 40 reviews for my blog, and this is the first time I've been so lost for words. This reawakening of the Andrew Lloyd Webber original is one of the most exhilarating things in theatre to have existed, and I hardly doubt I will EVER forget this. Brought to the West End by the Jamie Lloyd Company, the vision for this adaptation of Sunset Boulevard is refined, that finds a haunting atmosphere in it's simplicity and isolated brutality. Lloyd's vision is phenome...

 🌟 Oliver! 🌟 19 December 2023 at 7:00pm at Leeds Playhouse ★★★★ The newest revival of Lionel Bart's musical transformation of Oliver! completely strips away Leeds Playhouse's Quarry Theatre, reinvented for an in-the-round audience. Though still maintaining many of the classic elements of the show, this hugely raved about production really delivers an exuberant and lively dynamic, though at times left me wondering whether this staging style was the best fit. Nevertheless, directed by James Brining, the vision is glorious, and delivers some incredibly unexpected WOW moments. Led by Luke Holman's musical direction, the soundtrack is outstanding alongside whirring tensions, orchestrations (plus live onstage music and percussions) keep the immersive show contained and coordinated. Almost everyone knows a couple of scores from Oliver!, including Food, Glorious Food and Consider Yourself, it certainly feels like a warm reminder of the 1968 film I'd seen as a child. For those...

 🌟 Aladdin 🌟 10 December 2023 at 6:00pm at New Theatre Royal, Lincoln ★★★★ Before visiting Lincoln's New Theatre Royal for their 23/24 pantomime Aladdin, I have to admit I was skeptical. For years I have been quite stubborn on the fact that I don't like panto. However, with Aladdin there comes a delightfully engaging show, which works marvels for both adults and children alike. It is very easy for pantomime to get lost in all the silliness, but NTR take a risk as the show holds an extra level of sophistication, with some extremely high quality talent, becoming a hybrid musical-panto. And it is joyous!! With a wildly diverse mix of live songs interjected into the action, including hits from Bruno Mars, Tom Jones and even the Spice Girls, everyone will know them, and it guarantees a really fun time! The New Theatre Royal doesn't have a gigantic stage, and the premise of Aladdin calls for a look of grandeur and wealth. Through Duncan Parker's scenic work and Kimberley Ne...

 🌟 Elf: The Musical 🌟 11 November 2023 at 7:00pm at New Theatre Royal, Lincoln ★★★★★ The 2003 film of Elf, starring Will Ferrell, is perhaps regarded as one of the most popular Christmas films to date. I have never been hugely interested in Christmas movies, and previously only seen clips of this blockbuster. However, presented by CAODS Lincoln this November, Elf The Musical is a glorious adaptation of the hit story, gleaming with even more enthusiasm and joy than ever before! Performing at the New Theatre Royal Lincoln, it may be cold outside, but this festive treat is a sure-fire guarantee to leave you feeling warm inside! We are first greeted by the very familiar Mr and Mrs Claus, who introduce the tale, Santa's presence being a really nice opener for younger audiences. Across the show, we are enchanted by the tale of Buddy The Elf, who leaves his home in the North Pole on a journey to find his father. However stumbling into New York, the Christmas spirit isn't quite what ...

 🌟 Noises Off 🌟 4 November 2023 at 2:30pm at York Theatre Royal ★★★ Ahead of watching Michael Frayn's Noises Off, I have always been astonished by the play's legacy, often hailed as one of the comedic greats in playwriting history. Upon watching at York Theatre Royal, Frayn's script certainly tickled my funny bones, although a constant comedic high left me feeling somewhat overwhelmed. I have never seen anything quite like this, and a three act structure, featuring two intervals, is certainly a welcome surprise. While at times I struggle to keep up with the hysteria, I can't help but be impressed with the stagecraft, and how the actors keep up the pace. I find it unfathomable how anyone could perform this twice a day, so a huge respect for that! Noises Off is often described as a 'farce within a farce', following an amateur theatre group presenting their performance of Nothing On. Act 1 sees the dress rehearsal, where perhaps almost anything that could go wron...

🌟 Lizzie 🌟 21 October 2023 at 2:30pm at Trinity Arts Centre, Gainsborough ★★★★★ Lizzie, a Hope Mill Theatre production, is one of the lesser known musicals currently touring the UK, with a London stint to follow. I have followed the show for a few years, being a fan of the soundtrack, though I never expected to see it in the flesh so soon! Naturally, I had my preconceptions, though this killer revival is a rocker's paradise, holding a disturbing horror which left me tense throughout! Gainsborough's Trinity Arts Centre holds a lower capacity in the auditorium of 200 seats, however this really benefits this show, amplifying the intensity that could otherwise be lost in larger spaces. There's a dangerous killer on the loose, and you have no option to be as close as possible! For those unfamiliar with this musical, Lizzie delves into a dramatized life of Lizzie Borden, an American woman assumed of the axe murders of her father and stepmother. The story is embroiled with scan...

 🌟 Jesus Christ Superstar 🌟 07 October 2023 at 2:30pm at Hull New Theatre ★★★★ Jesus Christ Superstar's 2023/24 production sees a fiery, gritty and impassioned take on the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic. Transferred from Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, the 1971 musical is industrialised and modernised into a punky, anarchic concert which roars onto stages nationwide. At Hull New Theatre, we had front row seats for this rock spectacular, and as you can see from the picture, we were CLOSE, with a speaker right in front! It cannot be mistaken that Tim Sheader's has the power to make you shrink back into your seat with such force, though some of the creative decisions can lead to controversy in such a traditional musical. Featuring an iconic score, including songs Hosanna and What's The Buzz?, Drew McOnie's choreography becomes the forefront of a contemporary dance led show. Combining this movement heavy choreo with a rock concert is an unusual combination. It did take m...

 🌟 Runesical 🌟 5 October 2023, Online YouTube Recording from The Town And Gown Pub & Theatre, Cambridge ★★★★★ When I was asked to review a filmed performance of Gigglemug's Runesical, I was certainly excited about the concept of a fresh new musical. However, although I have heard of the fantasy game Runescape, I have never played it, nor do I have any knowledge on it. Turns out that, hardcore Runescape fan or not, you have to absolutely LOVE this show! Advertised as a musical 'where you decide what happens next!', audiences are whisked through a real world video game, parodying gaming classics, so that even passive gamers can enjoy the humour! Presented on YouTube, at certain points of the story, you will be offered a choice of videos that determine the plot and soundtrack that you see. I have never seen anything like this, and certainly Gigglemug have taken a big risk in using online performance, which ordinarily I am not keen on. But the creative freedom to immersiv...

🌟 Kin 🌟 29 September 2023 at 7:30pm at Cast, Doncaster ★★★★★ What a privilege it is to see Gecko perform live after being influenced by their performance style as a theatre maker! I have seen some recorded performances from Gecko in the past, though there is something so special and endearing about Kin. Inspired by Artistic Director Amit Lahav's grandmother, we become embedded within tales of relentless, tortured relationships and heart-breaking survival. However, we are treated to much more beyond the media's portrayal of immigration. We see humanity, pride in heritage and persistence when life reaches the impossible. This piece of theatre is unbelievably encouraging and treats life as something to be treasured. Gecko are an international physical theatre company, priding themselves on their collaborative devising process. Not only does Kin feature a phenomenal display of talent, but the cast and creative team invites a diverse array of nationalities to tell their stories. W...

 🌟 Romeo + Juliet 🌟 12 September 2023 at 7:30pm at the Alhambra Theatre, Bradford ★★★★ Matthew Bourne's New Adventures presents a revival of their critically acclaimed Romeo + Juliet, a contemporary, passionate and gritty take on the Shakespearian tale of forbidden love. This becomes the first time I have seen a performance told wholly through the medium of dance, and this show surpassed my expectations of what a movement piece can be, and how much can be crafted from classical scores. I haven't encountered any productions of Romeo and Juliet before, with this adaptation feeling incredibly fresh, and modern societal themes present. The well-known tragedies of the story have been altered, which is a surprise for audiences to deliver more heartfelt and surprising moments. The setting largely stays within Verona Institute, a deliberately vague establishment of incarceration and control against young people. We are introduced to Juliet (Monique Jonas) within the Institute, ...

 🌟 Life Of Pi 🌟 09 September 2023 at 7:45pm at the Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield ★★★★ It is an absolute pleasure to be able to return to this invigorating performance of Max Webster's Life Of Pi, previously watching this stage adaptation last year at the Wyndham's Theatre, London. Although this remains the same production, minor changes are noticeable between the runs, whether to benefit the tour's staging, or enhance the visuals of stage magic. It allows me to question at times whether this play is suited to the touring style. Nevertheless, I really appreciate seeing Life Of Pi showcasing it's talents and poignant story across the country. This play really embodies the spirit of a tiger, roaring onto stage with a tension to hold the auditorium in awe. A triumph that will easily take every single venue by storm. Adapted from the novel by Yann Martel, the story follows a teenage boy from Pondicherry, India, who is forced to relocate with his family to Canada. After a tempe...