Tag: West End

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.

Theatre is Amazing!

One of my favourite things to do when I have the time is watch a live theatre production. Theatre was introduced to me as a child through pantomimes and small productions that used to drive around visiting schools. I was always in awe of real actors putting on a show right in front of me and my love for theatre has never since waned.

At Secondary school I remember going on my first proper trip to see a London show. It was a version of ‘An Inspector Calls’ which was the GCSE book that we were studying in English at the time and it was so exciting for us. This one visit to a London theatre stuck with me and created a bug for going back again and again.

Theatres need protecting

After several lockdowns and long periods without their doors open, so many actors, producers, technical engineers and front of house people have struggled to stay in the industry. Since they have reopened their doors again to audiences, I have been able to get booking again and am still looking forward to the Hammersmith production of Sister Act which was delayed from 2020 and should finally go ahead this year, sadly without Whoopi Goldberg as originally planned.

I hope that people get back into the habit (excuse the Sister Act joke) and keep returning to the West End and local theatres so that we can get the theatre industry well and truly back on its feet again. So much imagination and artistry is put into packaging these masterpieces. It would be a shame to see them dry up.

Notable productions

Here are some of my favourite shows that I have seen in London:

Gypsy (with Imelda Staunton) – watched three times – phenomenal. Got her autograph. Will cherish.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

Dr Doolittle (Philip Schofield and the voice of Julie Andrews)

Blythe Spirit (Jennifer Saunders)

Wicked

Billy Elliott

Follies

East is East (with Jane Horrocks) – selfie below.

Photograph 51 (with Nicole Kidman) – another autograph I will savour.

Under the Blue Sky (with Catherine Tate)

Wicked

The Play That Goes Wrong

The Bodyguard (with Beverley Knight)

Hairspray (with Michael Ball)

A Christmas Carol (with Jim Broadbent and Samantha Spiro) I was so happy to get a selfie with Sam.

As I was writing this I realised that the list could go on for pages.

Whilst in New York I got to see Idina Menzel in a wonderful version of If/Then at the Richard Rogers theatre. I really hope to see another Broadway play one day.

As you can probably tell, theatre means a lot to me and my friends. So I really wrote this article to remind people of the value and importance of theatre as a creative force. I very much hope I can urge you to consider checking out what’s on at your local theatre or think about popping to a London show soon and giving some support.

For a previous review of a West End show click here. If you enjoyed this article please consider following my blog to help me develop the site. My articles are also about books and films, as well as environmental subjects.