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asdamagicbiscuits · 1 year

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My Top Theatre Highlights and Moments of 2021 AND 2022 (in no particular order, it’s all rather mishmashed I’m afraid. What happens when I get behind on my one yearly blog post 🙈)

Hi beans!

I’m baaaaaaaaaack! Did yous miss me? 😜

First of all I want to start with a bit of background and an apology as to why I completely missed 2021’s blog post, and the lateness of 2022’s post. So I did have a skeleton of the 2021 post ready to write but I just was so so busy towards the end of 2021, and then I got Covid at the start of 2022 on my week off when I was going to sit down to write and upload it. So I decided to combine it with 2022’s. Similar story for 2022 (minus the covid mind) - I got super busy so I'm taking some time in my month off now to sit down and write this.

I don’t like that I’ve missed one and it’s made me sad, but I thought I’d start back with a bumper edition of theatre. So without further ado, let’s jump straight into it. I’ll combine years likely but I'll state if I saw it in 2021 or 2022 next to the title.

You can definitely say that 2021 was a year of two halves. Even so I crammed a lot into that half a year and still a chonky amount into 2022. Let’s jump in!

Shitfaced Shakespeare (2021 and 2022)

Wouldn’t be a Theatre Highlights without mentioning the booze and bard loving beans over at Shitfaced Shakespeare. Always a treat to see them in London but it was equally lovely to see them on my home turf at the Wyvern in Swindon. I even took the Mothership with me to see the touring show of Macbeth. She loved it. Chaotic as usual but in the best way possible. Can’t thank those talented beans enough for bringing some much needed comedy and some fabulous escapism from the real world for an hour or two.

Hairspray (2021)

Hairspray. My first show back in an indoor theatre. Now this show for me was re-scheduled about four times. Every time Sarah and I had set a date for it, RESCHEDULED! Such was the 'living with Covid' era of theatre (let’s not discuss that now though).

My god this show was worth the wait. The cast were insanely brilliant. All so, so talented, each and every one of them! Hairspray is such an uplifting show and the London Coliseum is a beautiful theatre, MASSIVE. Like literally a very fancy and boujie barn! The roar of the audience when the show started was outstanding and such a thrill. It was fantastic to see Luke George on stage again too in his ensemble track as Fender.

Now I’m gonna talk about something else I was EXTREMELY lucky to get to witness. Luke George’s Debut performance as Link. It was the strangest of days for me. So I was in London for a job interview. It was a group interview and it did NOT go well, to the point where when I came out, I ran to the nearest quiet street I could find and just burst into tears (now I hear ya: you want the good stuff and what does this all have to do with Luke’s Link Debut. Hold fire gang. Painting a picture here. I’ll get to it!). Now my phone was still off from the interview but after about five minutes of crying I got my phone and turned it on. The very first notification to pop up was from West End Covers on Twitter ‘Tonight will be the debut of Luke George in the role of Link Larkin’. My heart stopped. My brain couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I’ve never felt such a switch from utter despair to pure excitement, joy, disbelief. My emotions were frazzled and it was about 4pm in the afternoon. Well naturally I ran and got a ticket. Think it's the fastest I’ve EVER bought a ticket for anything before. Awesome seat in the stalls. Luke was PHENOMENAL as Link. It was so brilliant to see him take on the role. Fantastic acting, dancing was great and a stunning vocal. The theatre gods were smiling on me in that delivery of a golden opportunity to see one of my stagey favs on for their cover!

I loved it so much I went back the next night to see him on as Link again! Such a talented and lovely person. Didn’t get to see Luke perform in 2022 but hopefully 2023 will give me another opportunity to see him shine on stage!

Anything Goes (2021)

Now this show is very special to me. I was in a youth production as a teenager so when it was announced a revival was coming to the Barbican in London I knew I needed tickets! I managed to get my hands on a pair of tickets to see the show in previews. Now the reason was that Robert Lindsay was in the show as Moonface Martin and I didn’t know if he would do every show (I had seen him in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Savoy years ago and he didn’t do the midweek matinees). I was determined to see Robert in the show as I knew he’d be OUTSTANDING and I didn’t want to run the risk of not seeing him on my first live experience of the show. THEN it was announced that Sutton Foster was coming over to play Reno Sweeney and I could have burst with excitement. The whole cast was chef's kiss sublime! So whilst everyone was losing their damn mind trying to get tickets to the show to see Sutton I was VERY smug sitting and being like I got my tickets already babes. 😜🙊 haha.

Okay. So the show. Well first of all it made my soul SO HAPPY!! Nostalgic. Stunning vocals from the whole company. Brilliant performances all round. I want to give a shoutout to Samuel Edwards and Nicole-Lily Baisden who shone as Billy Crocker and Hope Hardcourt. ‘It’s de-lovely’ was breathtaking and dream-like. Perfection!

I also need to mention Carly Mercedes Dyer who stole the show as Erma. Such a stage presence, comic timing was on point and ‘Buddie, Beware’ was delightful to watch.

Sutton Foster was exceptional and phenomenal like you would expect. ‘Blow, Gabriel, Blow’ earned a very well deserved standing ovation. It wasn’t just a little polite one, it went on for easily a couple of minutes and I hope I’m forgiven for saying this, but I could have sworn there was a moment in Sutton’s eyes as she was looking out at the audience to the cheers and people on their feet and the applause where she was genuinely so so touched by the reception she received. I said it on Instagram after and I’ll repeat it here if it wasn’t obvious. The West End loves you!’

Robert Lindsay was incredible as well. Brilliant comic timing, a great vocal. Loved the number he did with Sutton. It looked like they were having THE BEST time up there!

A standing ovation at the end of Act 1.

A standing ovation at the of Blow, Gabriel, Blow.

A standing ovation at the end of Act 2.

I’ve never seen anything like it before.

Phantom Phantom with a sprinkle of Gantom (2021 and 2022)

Sitting comfortably? I’ll wait a moment for you to get a biscuit? Ready? Okay great!

Let’s not waste any time and jump straight to it.

Gantom. So I didn’t get to see his debut show - I got close to it happening with the tour but in London it just wasn’t meant to be. However, I was able to get in for the show to see James Gant as Phantom at the end of October in 2021. Only waited six years to see him don the mask. Worth. The. Wait. The vocal. THE VOCAL. The acting. All fucking sublime (apols for the expletives here). James was hitting all the marks as Phantom I wanted to see. Music of the Night. Front Row. Devine. Now my favourite moment is in the Final Lair. It’s the ‘this face will churn a mothers fear etc etc’ section and the emotion in that. Pure magic. Broke my heart in the best way. It was one of those afternoons where at the end I couldn’t quite believe I had seen him play the role but I wanted to relive it immediately. Also whenever I’m in for a Gantom show the line ‘The GAAAAAAAAAANTOM of the Opera’ fully lives rent free in my mind. A fun insight into my brain I thought I’d share 🤪 I’d been saying for years what a phenomenal Phantom he would be, so to see the world catch up to that fact is great to see! ☺️

The Phantom company is full of exceptionally talented people though, and a few standouts for me are:  Adam Linstead and Matt Harrop as the managers play wonderfully opposite each other. I especially love how Adam plays André as a bit of a nervous and anxious character - honestly it’s such a refreshing take on the role. Also when André shushes Firmin when Carlotta is singing Eliza’s solo it is the biggest mood ever. Lovely touch.

Ellie Young as Meg. Delightful. Dreamy. Devineeeeee. Honestly such a gorgeous portrayal of my favourite character in the show. Meg is sassyyyyyy and we love that a lot. Flawless every time!

I also want to give a shout-out to all the ballet girls as the ballet numbers in the show are always a joy to watch for me. The talent and skill on that stage. Outstanding. I want to give a special mention to Jasmine Wallis, she always caught my attention in the ensemble numbers and for the longest time I couldn’t work out who the mystery ballet girl was with gorgeous lines and stunning performances. Her Masquerade costume was so pretty as well.

Lucy St Louis and Holly Anne Hull as Christine. These two leading ladies. Stunning. Beautiful performances from them both. Vocals are out of this world and when they smile they light up the stage. Phantom is so lucky to have two such wonderful performers play Christine.

Lucy’s last performance is January 21st so make sure you see her before she departs the Opera House to fly by bubble from March in Wicked.

Killian Donnelly as Phantom. I need to talk about how ICONIC this man’s performance is. Killian is a legend. I didn’t see him as Raoul but I’d heard great things so I was BUZZING to get the chance to see him don the Mask as Phantom. He didn’t disappoint at all and fully blew me away. So smooth. Commanding performance, incredible vocal. He plays so well opposite Lucy and Holly. I was so thrilled to get to see Killian and Holly together as I was going to see them on the tour so I was gutted when it got cancelled, and I felt like I was given a second opportunity with them being cast in the West End production.

I can’t urge everyone enough to go and see Killian in the show before he departs the Opera House on February 4th! You won’t want to miss his Phantom.

The Phantom Of The Opera is currently playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London

Shagged Married Annoyed Live Tour (2021)

Now for anyone who wasn’t aware Chris Ramsey and his incredibly talented and lovely wife Rosie do a podcast called Shagged Married Annoyed. They’ve won awards for it and genuinely it’s hilarious. People are disgusting but it’s so entertaining! So they did a live tour of it and I went to Wembley to see them!! It was honestly the best night of my life. To be in a room full of fellow SMAs and DAs (well, nearly. One bloke there had zero fucking idea of what was going on) was great. Listening to a podcast can feel very intimate as it’s just you or you and another person listening so you sort of forget that there are LOADS of people out there who love it as much as you do.

I will say this. Hearing 10,000 people sing the ‘Let’s talk about shit’ jingle made my soul so, so happy it powered me through 'til Christmas! I also got quite emotional when the lights came up on Chris and Rosie on stage.

The podcast Shagged Married Annoyed is available on all good podcastery app things. Enjoy! The Ramseys are going back out on tour this year so make sure to snap up any remaining tickets as you’re gonna be in for a great night out!! (I think it’s this year. Sarah booked the tickets I just paid for mine. She’ll tell me when I need to turn up. Haha)

Chris Ramsey’s tour (2021)

So myself and Sarah had never seen a stand up comedy gig before but having LOVED Chris and Rosie’s podcast, Shagged Married Annoyed, it was only right that we got to see the man in action on his own tour. Even if it was a year and a half later than we should have seen it (bloody Rona!).

A bloody great night out! SO FUNNY. Face hurt by the end of the show which is a great sign of a hilarious comedy gig!

Dear Evan Hansen (2021)

This show is really special to me especially as it was the soundtrack to getting me through most of the time I was off work. Heck, it even became a long-standing project in my singing lessons over that time, so getting to see the show again live from the front row was incredible. I do want to apologise to the cast for the fact that my glasses likely reflected the light back up to the stage. Wasn’t expecting the glare. The whole company and what they can create on stage with just 8 performers and the power of their voices in the musical numbers, it’s something really magic and special. Also getting to see Sam Tutty’s performance so close was awesome. I could go on but I’m conscious this is already a long post.

Carl Hutchinson’s Tour and A Pissmas Carol (2021)

Now my last shows of the year saw me head to the lovely Leicester Square Theatre in London’s West End to see two shows essentially back to back. I’d love to say it was fully intentional but it was only half planned, mainly when me and my friend realised we could do it! 🤪 haha.

So I saw Carl earlier in the year supporting Chris Ramsey on tour. Carl mentioned in the show that he was on tour. I bought a ticket to his tour. Absolutely hilarious show. Carl and his support act, Amy, had the audience in fits of laughter. Definitely look out for their names on the comedy circuit and I can’t urge you all enough to go see them. You’ll be in for a great night!

So my very last show of the year was to return once again to Victorian England to see Dickens classic A Pissmas Carol! A fantastic way as always to get into the festive spirit. Plus we all know it’s what Dickens would have wanted and totally his vision for his works! Hehe!

Talent in buckets. The skills the gang have at Shitfaced Showtime will forever and always blow my mind. If you ever have the opportunity to see them - do it! Don’t hesitate. You’ll be in for a pissed up festive treat and you’ll leave with a lighter soul!

Wicked (2022)

So in the summer I got to take my little cousin to see Wicked, just waited a very long time to take her, and we had the best time in Oz. It was so fantastic to see Helen Woolf as Glinda and we were lucky enough to see Laura Harrison as Elphaba and oh my word. What brilliant leading ladies they are!! Laura delivered such a heartfelt and touching performance as Elphaba and played opposite Helen’s Glinda so beautifully. It was a dream to return to such a special show. The whole company were fantastic and my cousin loved the show. At the end she asked if we could go back and watch it again. I think I’ve got a little stagey in the making on my hands here… 🤪🙊☺️

Moulin Rouge (2022)

So for most of 2022 I essentially moved into the Piccadilly Theatre as I saw Moulin Rouge A LOT. I saw an array of different performers in all roles. I got to see a cover debut. Let’s jump into it.

Zoe Birkett as Satine. When it was announced MR was coming over there was one name which stood out to me for Satine and that was Zoe. Getting to see her debut show as Satine. Wowzers. She blew my mind and then some. Like, I knew she’d be outstanding but I wasn't expecting her to surpass the high expectations I had. Flawless. When she came down on the swing in the first moment the audience sees Satine and the cheer which erupted from the audience. My soul was so happy.

Tanisha Spring as Satine. The pocket rocket herself. The first time I saw her Satine she melted my heart straight away. Her smile lights up a space. Like I genuinely saw the theatre get brighter when she smiled.

And Liisi LaFontaine, principal Satine. Devine. So strong and sassy. Heartfelt performance.

I love love love that no matter when you go to the Rouge you will see a woman of colour as the Sparkling Diamond Satine. I was so lucky to see each of the above ladies many times and each of them are pure perfection. Their individual interpretations of the role were fantastic and it was like watching pure magic every time I saw the show.

Adam Gillian as Christian. It was like someone had taken Christian out of my head and put him on that stage. Acting. Genius. Vocals. Perfection every time. Again I was lucky to see Adam many times in the role and he was outstanding every time. I was lucky to see him with the three phenomenal ladies I mentioned above as Satine, and Adam always took such good care of them in scenes together.

The Elephant Love Medley was always one of my highlights for the show. Getting to see Adam and Tanisha’s performances from the Can Can seats in the summer was the perfect, perfect night. The whole show is visually a masterpiece for the eyes, so getting to see it all so close was such a joy. I took my friend Abbie, she hadn’t seen the show before and so got the ultimate experience on her visit to the Rouge. It’s a night I won’t forget.

The entire company is made up of so many talented, talented people.

Special mentions to Katie Ella Dunsden, Tasmin January, Jonathan Cordin and Craig Ryder who always stood out in the ensemble numbers when I went.

Moulin Rouge is playing at the Piccadilly Theatre!

Mary Poppins (2022)

I was lucky enough to attend a Tech Talk before the evening show of Mary Poppins one night. It was fantastic to learn all the ins and outs of the technical aspects, like learning how Mary flies over the audience at the end of the show but ssshhhh, that’s a trade secret so I ain’t telling! 😜

The show itself was as brilliant as ever. It was also the debut performance of Monique Young as Mary Poppins and what a performance she delivered. Excellent acting and a gorgeous vocal. If I didn’t know it was her first show, I would have thought she’d done it for years. So seamless and I absolutely was a mess and bawled my eyes out when she flew over the audience at the end.

Ed Fringe (2022)

Okay beans. Answer a question for me.

Who’s more mad? Me for suggesting an Edinburgh Day Trip or Sarah for agreeing to it? 😜

Yep. You read correctly. We did a day trip fringe. Overnight coach up there. About 14/15 hours in Edinburgh and then the coach straight back. It was BONKERS but honestly such a fun day. It was great to see a couple of shows and to have a wander round the city, exploring our old haunts. Deffo be back for a proper trip again. But wanted to mention it nonetheless.

Cursed Child Cast Change (2022)

Cast Changes don’t get any easier. Even after all this time. So I made my way back to the Palace to see the company’s last show together and I could never pass up an opportunity to see James McGregor perform on stage again! Deffo got deja vu though seeing him in his last performance in the show again 😜 haha.

Although I never got the opportunity to see James don the Scar and Glasses I wanted to give him a mention regardless. (MY BLOG. MY RULES! 🤪).

My friend Lucinda saw his debut and has told me the confrontation scene was as epic as I thought it would be. I’m so happy he got to play Harry Potter and whilst I’m gutted I never got to see him take on the role, knowing that many, many people did get to balanced it out.

Newsies (2022)

So that first preview of Newsies in London on November 29th wasn’t gonna happen without my bum being on a seat in that building. When tickets were released I was determined to score tickets for it. I was nervous I will admit, just because this show means so much to me. It’s one of my favourite musicals and I came across it at a difficult time in my life, and the musical has come into my life again at another difficult time. The music is iconic. That soundtrack has been on repeat in my house more times than I can count. Newsies did not disappoint. An outstanding company. Choreographically it’s insane but what a wonder to behold. The energy in the room was like NOTHING I have experienced before. The whole company looked like they were having the best time and feeding off the energy the audience were giving them. I cried three times during the whole show. Once at Carrying The Banner cos in my head my brain was screaming ‘HOLY FUCK YOU’RE SEEING NEWSIES’, once at Watch What Happens and once at the end of the show because my brain was then screaming ‘HOLY SHIT YOU’VE JUST WATCHED NEWSIES’.

Ryan as Davey, Bronté as Katherine, Josh as Race were three standouts in that first preview but the TALENT on that stage is limitless. The whole company are all stars and the Troubadour Theatre lights up so bright when the whole cast are on stage shining brightly.

Bronté as Katherine is PER FEC TION. LITERALLY. Comic timing - flawless. Acting - on point. Vocal - outstanding. I did cry, like full on ugly cry, at her Watch What Happens (it’s also my favourite song too so no pressure there 😜🙊 hehe). I can’t thank her enough for her beautiful performance 💛

I also NEED to give a shout-out to the lovely Clarice Julianda on leading the Brooklyn lasses as Spot. All Fansies know that’s Tommy Bracco’s track and he’s a powerhouse but Clarice is equally as fierce, strong and a force to be reckoned with. The perfect person to take on the role of Spot in London for the show's premiere. Seeing the bit in the show where all the Newsies are cowering about who was gonna go and tell the Brooklyn Newsies made me giggle. REPRESENTATION MATTERS. GIRLS ARE A FORCE!!

Newsies is playing a limited season until April 16th at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre. I can’t urge you enough to go and get tickets. Best. Night. Out. Ever.

(What a last show of 2022 I got to experience!)

So that pretty much wraps up this bumper edition of my Theatre for the past two years (ish. Haha).

For a year where I only got half a year of theatre in I think I did pretty well before business resumed the following year.

Before I sign off I do want to touch on the fact that for myself personally, it’s been a rollercoaster the past two years and I’m once again reminded of one of my favourite quotes which I’ll leave with you here. ‘Musical Theatre can save you, even if only for two or three hours at a time’. We all need saving sometimes and where better to escape everything than a theatre.

Thanks for reading, make sure to come back next year to see what I got up to and what theatre firsts I got to experience… (will deffo do better at uploading on NYE)

Until next time, cheerio!

#theatrehighlights2021 #theatrehighlights2022 #musicaltheatre #stagey

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