Book: Murray Horwitz and Richard Maltby, Jr. Music: Fats Waller Director: Tyrone Huntley Reviewer: Scott Matthewman There are not many first-time directors and first-time choreographers who could make their debuts in such roles at the Southwark Playhouse, one of the top tier of off-West End fringe venues. Name recognition surely plays a small part: the director is Tyrone Huntley, Olivier ...
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Writers: Murray Horwitz and Richard Maltby, Jr. Director: Tyrone Huntley Reviewer: Michael Gray “The Fats Waller Musical” trumpet the strapline and the lapel badge. And the spirit of Fats is certainly very much in evidence, his genius and his unique style infusing every number. But is it a musical? Not even a juke-box show, really, since it is just a ...
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Writer: Alan McHugh Director: Thom Sutherland Reviewer: Dan English With a dramatic start, Dartford’s pantomime offering this year, Aladdin, tries to put punters in the festive mood with this visually stunning production. The Orchard Theatre’s seasonal selection, directed by Thom Sutherland, sees Aladdin (Alexis Gerred) attempt to escape the clutches of his nemesis Abanazar (Marti Pellow), all while trying to ...
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Writer: Michael Harrison and Alan McHugh Director: Michael Harrison Reviewer: James Garrington It’s panto time in Birmingham and flying into the Hippodrome this year we have Aladdin. Everyone knows the story of course – the young man’s journey from rags to riches, evil being defeated and everyone living happily ever after. Popular though that story is, in many ways ...
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Book: Mark Bramble Music: Cy Coleman Lyrics: Michael Stewart Director: Jean-Pierre Van Der Spuy Reviewer: Chris Williams A certain kind of showman, Cameron Mackintosh brings us the musical based on the life of history’s ultimate showman – Phineas Taylor Barnum! Barnum takes us through the eventful and varied life of P. T. Barnum, through his many rôles including freak show ...
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Writer: Mark Bramble Lyrics: Michael Stewart Music: Cy Coleman Director: Jean-Pierre Van Der Spuy Reviewer: Dan English Brian Conley is mesmerising as the showman as the musical Barnum reaches Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre as part of its UK tour. Barnum, directed by Jean-Pierre Van Der Spuy, tells the story of P. T. Barnum (Conley), a travelling showman, and of how ...
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Book: Mark Bramble Music: Cy Coleman Director: Jean-Pierre Van Der Spuy Reviewer: Matt Yeoman Audiences have the opportunity to relive the classic era of the 19th Century traditional circus this month as Brian Connolly swings into town with a cast of acrobats, dancers and musicians to tell the amazing musical life story of Phineas T Barnum. Set in 19th Century ...
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Book: Mark Bramble Music: Cy Coleman Lyrics: Michael Stewart Reviewer: Lindsay Sykes Mr. Phineas T Barnum has pitched up in Leeds, and now you should follow the band to the Grand to see the “greatest Show on Earth” Brian Conley plays the title rôle of Barnum – American Showman extraordinaire. Showing off his “miracles” and acts with a hint of ...
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