Reviews and Recommendations: theatre

Having seen the show many times over the past 20 years, I have to say that there was something about the performance I saw this week at Coventry's Belgrade Theatre that made it without doubt the best I have seen. Maureen Nolan headed a cast of outstanding performers and while... [more]

Event Date: April 29, 2009
Event Venue: Belgrade Theatre, Coventry

Having seen the show many times over the past 20 years, I have to say that there was something about the performance I saw this week at Coventry's Belgrade Theatre that made it without doubt the best I have seen. Maureen Nolan headed a cast of outstanding performers and while there have been many memorable performances by individual cast members in the previous versions I have seen over the years, this particular ensemble has to be the best I have seen gathered together in one show!

The cast were no doubt helped by the superb orchestra and excellent lighting, as well as an almost perfect sound balance. I have seen Maureen Nolan in the West End production (and she was excellent) but I feel she is now putting so much more emotion into her part, both from an acting point of view and especially her vocal performances. Sean Jones (Mickey) never fails to impress, and again, just seems to get better and better as the years go by. He and Simon Willmont (Eddie) worked really well together. The narrator can be a difficult part, not least because he has to be invisible to the other characters and yet have a stage presence that captivates the audience everytime he appears. I felt that Robbie Scotcher was just right for this part - darkly menacing, not too over-powering yet delivering every line with just the right amount of whatever it is you need to deliver just the right amount of! He also spoke and sang with absolute clarity and didn't over-do the Liverpool accent! It seems unfair to have singled out the above actors because every single member of the cast was absolutely brilliant.

Thank you to everyone involved for what was yet again a memorable night at the theatre! [less]

Following Sunday evenings glued to the TV, astonished at the quality of performances delivered by the contestants on Dancing on Ice, a last minute decision to see the live performance  saw us lucky enough to get  wonderful rink side seats.  These really are the best in the... [more]

Event Date: April 2, 2009
Event Venue: Sheffield Arena

Following Sunday evenings glued to the TV, astonished at the quality of performances delivered by the contestants on Dancing on Ice, a last minute decision to see the live performance  saw us lucky enough to get  wonderful rink side seats.  These really are the best in the venue, offering a real taste of the excitement, skill and danger the skaters are exposed to - a true "smell of the grease paint roar of the crowd", experience.  

The show was unbelievable, opening with "Bolero" from Jane & Chris. Amongst the celebrities,  Susan Shaw, Jessica Taylor and of course Ray Quinn, stood out for me.  Some of Susan Shaw's elements were so  ambitious and the level of  danger quite scary. Jessica is a picture of grace  on the ice and such a lovely  character who stole the audiences heart and caused quite a stirr when  the top of her costume came undone, doing  well to continue with her performance.  Todd is a favourite with the crowd but his ability to act the fool on the ice would seem to me seem to point to his skills being much greater than he would have us believe.

The  show was a sheer delight.  The two-and-a-half hours of  total skill and professionalism, a testament to the hard work and commitment of the celebrities, but most of all, I believe, to the teaching and mentoring  skills of the Torvill and Dean ice team. [less]

I went to Derren's last tour in 2008 for the second time due to the fact I was so taken a-back by this man's talent I found myself having to go again.

To anyone who is sceptical of Derren on channel 4 go and see him live! I was before I... [more]

Event Date: April 17, 2008
Event Venue: White Rock Theatre, Hastings

I went to Derren's last tour in 2008 for the second time due to the fact I was so taken a-back by this man's talent I found myself having to go again.

To anyone who is sceptical of Derren on channel 4 go and see him live! I was before I saw him and then he read my mind... blind folded!!

"You want to attend Portsmouth University isn't that right?"
"Err.... yes!!"
"Well put that out of your mind for the moment you will be fine there! I want to concerntrate on your new puppy... now he has a slightly odd name right?"
"Yes..."
"It begins with... R and has a p sound in the middle... yes keep calling your dog in your head... no not hes nick-name his full name... he's called Ripley right?"
"......"

After that I was literally shaking... I couldn't believe it. He is amazing!

(I also got into University which was amazing when I looked back on what Derren said!!) [less]

Impressive performers, spectacular costumes, beautiful ideas,fabulous music - just plain fantastic!... [more]

Event Date: 10/01/2008
Event Venue: Royal Albert Hall

Impressive performers, spectacular costumes, beautiful ideas,fabulous music - just plain fantastic! [less]

took the grandchildren two years running,what a fantastic show we all were thrilled and amazed.hoping to go again this year,cant wait.If you have not seen holiday on ice you SHOULD I can thorougly recommend it.... [more]

Event Date: November 13, 2008
Event Venue: westpoint

took the grandchildren two years running,what a fantastic show we all were thrilled and amazed.hoping to go again this year,cant wait.If you have not seen holiday on ice you SHOULD I can thorougly recommend it. [less]