Sunny Afternoon, Opera House, Manchester

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The Sixties weren’t the era dubbed ‘swinging’ for nothing. It was the time of great music being born and bands like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones were holding court to the screaming masses. There was another band on the block though shaping the sound of the Sixties, made in Muswell Hill, London and going by the name of The Kinks.

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Sunny Afternoon pays homage to the four young cockney lads who made up that band famous for singing simple songs about life in London and what a wonderful time it was. The musical, penned by original band member Ray Davies, first took to the stage in 2014 and since then has enjoyed a successful run in the West End bagging itself four Oliviers on the way, including Best New Musical. Manchester now gets the chance to cast its eye on the show becoming the first stop on its premiere UK Tour, with a week long run at the Opera House.

Unlike other musicals that feature the back catalogues of songs from famous bands (We Will Rock You-Queen, Mama Mia-ABBA) Sunny Afternoon uses all the well-known hits in a biographical way charting the creation of The Kinks and the ups and downs they encounter as they embark on stardom.

Ryan O’Donnell puts in a captivating performance in the lead role of Ray Davies, the reluctant pop star more at home composing songs than on tour singing them. His vocals are pitch perfect and executed with such raw emotion you really feel he means every word.

O’Donnell previously performed as the alternate Ray during Sunny Afternoon’s West End run and it’s great to see him bag the role for good as part of the UK tour. His co-stars are equally as talented, Mark Newham putting every ounce of energy he has into playing Ray’s younger brother Dave, as he manically strums the bass guitar and behaves like a childish rock star vying to be centre of attention with his frenzied antics.

Garmon Rhys is believable as shy bassist Peter Quaife but it’s Andrew Gallo who almost steals the show as the bands percussionist Mickey Avery, performing an impressive drum solo that seems to go on forever, to the delight of the audience.

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One of the refreshing things about Sunny Afternoon is that it isn’t a musical full of bubble gum sweetness and karaoke classics. At times it’s gritty, the music is raw, and there’s more than a sprinkling of expletives in the script.

There’s some wonderful moments to watch out for, from the goosebump inducing guitar strumming of You Really Got Me to the poignant a cappella version of another of The Kinks greatest hits, Days.

If you weren’t a fan of The Kinks before, you will leave the theatre wanting to hear more of their music but not before jumping to your feet to dance along to their toe tapping tracks in the show’s rousing encore. A standing ovation well deserved, congratulations Ray Davies, you really got me!

Sunny Afternoon – Opera House, Manchester
Friday 19 to Saturday 27 August
For more tour information www.sunnyafternoonthemusical.com

Sister Act, The Palace Theatre, Manchester

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Returning to Manchester after her triumphant spell in the Bodyguard, Alexandra Burke proves this diva is here to stay as she delivers all the sass and attitude that makes Deloris Van Cartier such a loveable and unforgettable character.

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Directed and Choreographed by Strictly legend Craig Revel Horwood, Sister Act tells the story of wannabee singer Deloris who sees a little too much during a late night discussion between her married boyfriend Curtis (Aaron Lee Lambert) and his no good cronies, one of which he believes has ratted him to the cops. Deloris flees for her own safety and finds sanctuary in the local Convent under the instruction of local cop and former school friend Eddie (Jon Robyns). Life as a Nun is a million miles from her usual liquor swilling, cigarette smoking, good time gal days but that irrepressible Deloris spirit soon has chance to shine when she’s given the opportunity to work with the choir of Nuns who currently sound like a cat’s chorus.

Burke is perfect in the role of Van Cartier, with just the right amount of sass and diva attitude she also has a lot of fun with this role and her comedic side is given the opportunity to shine, add to it that voice and wow, we have our star!

Burke is complemented by a strong cast; the Nuns really do take this production to the next level, each of their scenes is full of joy and every actress gives their absolute all. Notable performances come from Karen Mann as Mother Superior whose stern guidance despite frustration after frustration eventually develops into a solid bond, and the fabulous Sarah Goggin whose is a joy to watch as Sister Mary Robert, gaining in confidence with more than a little guidance from her new found sister. Jon Robyns makes for a great Eddie and you’re desperately willing him and Deloris to get together pretty much from the start of the show.

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The choreography is fun and flirty and further adds to the laughs this production provides, Matthew Wrights set and costume design works well transporting us from 1970’s nightclub to quiet Convent with ease. The one thing that distracted me a little during this production was the use of actor-musicians, whilst this works wonderfully for some shows for me I wanted my Nuns giving it their all for the fabulous choreography rather than being distracted from their booty shaking by playing the trumpet, but that comes down to personal taste and that being said everyone on stage absolutely excelled at both.

Sister Act is fun and totally fabulous; Burke’s voice is big, bold and beautiful, a heavenly production with bucket loads of feel good factor!

On at the Palace until Saturday 3rd September

Tickets available here http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/sister-act/

 

 

The Wind In The Willows, Press Launch

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Adapted for the stage by Oscar-winning screenwriter and Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellows and Olivier Award-winning composer and lyricist team George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, (collaborators on international hit musical Mary Poppins) brand new stage musical The Wind in the Willows is soon to come to life on the Lowry stage.

Kenneth Grahame’s much loved classic tells the tale of the vibrant Mr Toad, played by Rufus Hound, as he embarks on many an adventure with his trusted companions Ratty (Thomas Howes) and Mole (Fra Fee), there will be scrapes and predicaments along the way with Toad getting himself in a pickle on more than one occasion, but true friendship and a sense of belonging will prevail making this new production an absolute theatrical treat not to be missed!

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Producer Jamie Hendry values so highly the joy of this classic novel that copies have been sent to each school within the cities this World Premiere tour will take in, introducing a whole new generation to the fun and frolics of the flamboyant Mr Toad and his long suffering friends.

This week the cast and creative team gave a lucky few a sneak preview into what we can expect when the show opens on 27th October at the Lowry. Sassy Sophia Nomvete who will be taking on the role of Mrs Otter thrilled with her song, fast, fun and totally fabulous! Fra Fee recently seen playing Courfeyrac in the Les Miserables movie plays Mole, a soft, kind and gentle creature, his voice when singing his song about Home is just perfection, I literally didn’t want him to stop singing. Changing the tempo after Mole’s calming piece is Neil McDermott who portrays Chief Weasel, with just the right amount of swagger and attitude, McDermott makes it clear that his mischievous Weasel won’t give Toad, Ratty and Mole and easy ride.

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I spoke to Thomas Howes about his excitement to be making his musical theatre debut and getting back to the stage after many years doing film and TV. As soon as he heard about this new project he knew absolutely had to get involved, as the creative team described, this is a show for all generations, for Howes it will be an opportunity for his young nephews to come and see him in a family friendly professional role, something he is massively looking forward to. After auditioning then having several call-backs Howes contacted Julian Fellows who was unaware he was auditioning to say he’d got the part and got a huge, ‘Well done’ from the much respected writer who he had previously worked with on Downton. For Howes the generosity of Ratty is something which enormously appealed, despite Ratty’s stiff upper lip his caring nature and generosity shines through. A highlight for Howes being the song ‘A friend is still a friend’ which he feels will really strike a chord with audiences and highlights one of the most important themes running through the show, that being friendship and the importance of having and being a friend.

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The Wind in the Willows looks set to become an absolute smash hit, judging on this preview I have no doubt the show will become a runaway success, the excitement felt at the preview filtered from the cast and creatives to each and every audience member, it is clear that this is going to be something very special.

After the show’s stop at the Lowry it will hopefully head to the West End to further wow audiences. Tickets are available now and are selling fast for this perfect family tale of fun and friendship, book now to avoid disappointment and bag one of the hottest tickets of the year.

The Wind in the Willows – Thursday 27th October until Sunday 6th November

http://www.thelowry.com/event/the-wind-in-the-willows2

King Lear, Opera House, Manchester

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An exciting addition to the current offerings celebrating 400 years since the death of William Shakespeare is Director Max Webster’s touring production of King Lear with the mighty Michael Pennington wearing the tragic Kings crown.

Pennington gives an absolute masterclass in classical acting, he is utterly mesmerising, angry and fierce one moment, fragile and vulnerable the next, he draws the audience in and you quickly forget there are a few hundred other theatre goers around you.

The transition from powerful tyrant at the start of the play where Lear wrongly disowns adoring daughter Cordelia (Beth Cooke) to the final scenes where we see him broken and maddened by sorrow is enormous, captivating and totally heart-breaking. Misjudging his two eldest daughters loyalty, Lear finds himself increasingly desperate, stripped of his wealth and majesty, the respect he was once shown is now forgotten and he is left to live with the past mistakes he has made.

In addition to Pennington’s fine performance is a very strong cast who each in turn deliver fantastic performances. Lear’s two eldest daughters, Goneril and Regan are played expertly by Catherine Bailey and Sally Scott, an evil duo who grow increasingly twisted with the power bestowed upon them. Similarly the warped relationship between brothers Edgar (Gavin Fowler) and Edmund (Scott Karim) is played out perfectly, the villainy of Edmund leading to the brutal demise of his own father Gloucester (Pip Donaghy) offers Edgar the opportunity to secretly nurse and care for the Father he was forced through the evils of his brother to flee.

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Adrian Linford’s set is sparse but effective, allowing the actors to be the firm focus of this production. At just under three hours including an interval it is not a short production by any means but Director Max Webster maintains a great pace and flow which combined with the fine performances on stage keep you totally engaged.

Although one of Shakespeare’s most bloodthirsty tragedies, this excellent production offers wit, humour and many moving moments, it is beautifully accessible Shakespeare, unpretentious, poignant and totally gripping.

On at the Opera House until Saturday 4th June, tickets available here; http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/king-lear-2016/opera-house-manchester/