Category: Theatre

The Enfield Haunting – Theatre Review

I am a massive West End theatre fan and missed watching shows during the Covid period. Now I am back in the swing of things and absolutely loving live theatre once more.

This week I was pleased to go to one of the West End’s smallest theatres to see a version of ‘The Enfield Haunting.’

‘The Enfield Haunting’ Review

I knew that the Enfield Hauntings were a News event in 1977, just before I was born. It was intriguing to see how the writer, Paul Unwin, decided to represent such a chilling story of a family affected by a poltergeist.

I was not disappointed.

Peggy was played by the incredibly funny Catherine Tate (Dr Who/ The US Office). In this production she combined moments of real drama and sadness with occasional one-liners. She was a superb fit for this role and was supported by ‘Shameless’ actor David Threlfall as Maurice, a supernatural investigator.

On this occasion the play was just 75 minutes long but this length felt appropriate and satisfying.

Peggy had two daughters and one son, with an ex-husband lurking in the background. Holding her household together, she had enough on her plate, without all the media coverage about her potentially haunted home.

All of the children were played well. A feisty daughter was matched by one who played possesed very well indeed.

The script was a mix of poignant, sharp and funny. Special effects were used for the haunted moment and the pitch black theatre really drew the audience in.

And Finally…

This was one of the best theatre shows I have seen in ages. I tend to watch a range of musicals and dramas but this one really performed well.

A highlight for me was getting to meet Catherine Tate again. She was lovely and we recalled the last time I met her when George Michael also came out of the stage door. She told me that he had been late and they had to hold the curtain for him that night in 2008.

If you get to see one show in London this winter, I would definitely suggest checking out ‘The Enfield Haunting.’

Thank you for checking out my theatre review. If you fancy another, have a look at my Frozen Musical Review.

A Frozen Musical Review

As a theatre fan, I was excited to get some tickets for the West End production of the Disney musical – Frozen. Shown in one of my favourite West End theatres, The Theatre Royal at Drury Lane, I was sure that the stage version would be impressive.

Knowing how good the film was, I was intrigued about how they would transform the stage into an icy castle.

My Thoughts

The Theatre Royal always seems so grand with its lush bars and grand reception area. Walking in and viewing the big ‘Frozen’ logo, I was wondering how three-dimensional this production might be. My instincts were telling me that this was going to be a very visual show.

I do not know the movie well enough to be aware of whether or not some of the songs were added for the stage show but I suspect they might have been.

Early on, the two younger actors sang, ‘Do you wanna build a snowman?’ and before long the grown up cast were cleverly acting out, ‘Love is an open door.’

When Elsa appeared, I was pleased to see that it was Samantha Barks who played Eponine in the film version of ‘Les Miserables.’ Her voice stood out and was ridiculously close to Idina Menzel’s. I can testify to this as I heard Idina sing when I had front-row tickets to ‘If/Then’ back in 2014.

The voices in this play were amazing! Such a talented group of performers.

A funny scene involving a Norwegian shop owner singing about the Scandinavian idea of hygge really made me laugh. Many other highlights included well-timed comedy, especially from the actress who played Anna.

It was the special effects that blew me away. No spoilers but it was worth going for these alone.

In A Nutshell

I really enjoyed watching this theatrical performance of ‘Frozen’ and would totally recommend checking it out. The only downside was that it was a matinee and packed with noisy young kids. However, the songs, the humorous moments, and the scenery all stood out to make this a magnificent production.

Thank you for reading my review. For more recommendations of books, TV shows and podcasts, check out Read, watch and listen and perhaps follow my little blog for similar future posts.

London’s Wizard Is Brilliant! Ozviously!

Anyone that knows me will tell you that I love going to the theatre. Over the years I have watched hundreds of shows in London, other European cities and New York. For me, nothing beats watching brilliant actors performing to a live audience, especially when they are joined by a love orchestra. London’s wizard had me excited!

The Palladium

Last week I popped along to the famous London Palladium to watch the latest celebrity version of ‘The Wizard of Oz.’ It was the first musical I had seen this year and I was intrigued because it included a well known comedian, Jason Manford as the lion and a UK TV legend, Gary Wilmot as the Wizard himself.

Stunning Performances

Dorothy was played by Georgina Onuorah who is fairly new to theatre, having recently graduated but having already impressed audiences in ‘Oklahoma.’ Her voice was stunning and her smile was infectious. Her charisma and skill made Dorothy relatable and helped to keep the narrative going smoothly. She was supported by Christina Bianco as Glinda. Christina had previously acted in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Raincoat. Her range was incredible and she came across brilliantly too.

Using a screen to show certain events, with videos and animation, was a great idea. It was a clever way to allow them to change sets whilst moving the story on.

When I went, Diversity’s Ashley Banjo was off so the Tin Man was played by an understudy. He was an excellent dancer and I would never have guessed he wasn’t part of the main cast (unless I had been expecting Ashley – which I was).

The lion was played by Louis Gaunt. He had been successful in the West End version of Mary Poppins as Bert. He was very funny and full of energy.

What an incredibly talented cast!

I especially liked how they altered some of the songs to include a little bit of rapping and some modern dance routines. A little more funky than before.

Final Thoughts

This was a lively production with some funny, modern spins that made it even more relevant. The singing was amazing and the dancing was first rate. I loved the backdrops, the pace, the orchestra and especially Glinda. I have since noticed she has a funny Youtube where she imitates famous singers. Check it out:

Thank you for taking the time to read my post about the current Palladium version of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ in London.

Have you ever been to see musical theatre? Do you have a soft spot for a certain musical? Would you go to see London’s Wizard?

For another of my recent reviews, have a look at The Barbie Movie Is Cleverer Than You Think – and perhaps drop a comment too.