⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ A true modern classic of musical theatre!
The Book of Mormon, the smash-hit musical by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, and Robert Lopez, has taken the West End by storm and is now embarking on a UK tour, arriving on stage at The Alexandra Theatre for the festive season.
The story follows two young Mormon missionaries, Elder Price (Adam Bailey) and Elder Cunningham (Sam Glen), who are sent to a remote Ugandan village to spread their faith. What ensues is a hilariously exaggerated culture clash, as the naive missionaries attempt to reconcile their idealistic beliefs with the harsh realities faced by the local community.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ “A heartwarming celebration of Dolly’s music and spirit…”
Written by Bruce Vilanch with Gabriel Barre (who also directs) and Tricia Paoluccio (who also plays Dolly), Here You Come Again has now been adapted for the UK by acclaimed British playwright Jonathan Harvey following several successful runs across the United States.
Set during the pandemic, we follow the story of Kevin (played brilliantly by understudy Aidan Cutler), a devoted Dolly Parton fan facing personal and professional difficulties. Forced to move into his parents attic during lockdown, he is struggling emotionally after being dumped by his boyfriend and laments over his failed attempt to be a stand-up comedian.
The wedding is off, but the honeymoon is on as the Stock, Aitkin and Waterman musical I Should Be So Lucky comes to the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham.
After Ella (Lucie-Mae Sumner) is left at the alter by fiancé Nathan (Billy Roberts), she decides to still go on her honeymoon to Turkey, accompanied by her family and friends. With guidance from video projections of THE Kylie Minogue in a large mirror, her broken heart starts to heal when she meets the handsome waiter Nadeem (Matthew Croke). Nathan realises his mistake and follows Ella to Turkey to win her back, but will she give him a second chance?
Stock, Aitken and Waterman are considered to be one of the most successful songwriting and producing partnerships of all time, with more than 100 UK top-40 hits, over 150 millions records sold, and have worked with some of the biggest selling artists in history.
When the announcement was made that a Stock, Aitkin and Waterman musical was in production, I was beside myself with excitement. Their music was the soundtrack to my youth and represents my earliest and favourite musical memories – Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan’s debut albums were the first I ever received on vinyl, I waited in line for over two hours at a music store in Blackpool to get an autographed single from Sonia, I had a poster of Big Fun on my wall… Even now, at 42 years old, I still remember every word from every song of that era.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ – “An incredible evening of pure nostalgia.”
Based on Lawrence Kasdan’s 1992 Oscar nominated Warner Bros. movie starring Whitney Houstonand Kevin Costner, The Bodyguard tells the story of the complicated relationship between former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer and superstar Rachel Marron, when Farmer is hired to protect her from an unknown stalker.
‘Each expects to be in charge; what they don’t expect is to fall in love.’
Peter Pan A Musical Adventure is the second BMOS performance to hit the Alexandra Theatre stage this year, and with the festive season upon us, there’s no better time than to travel to the magical world of Never Land!
Directed by Faye Easto, with book by Willis Hall, music by George Stiles and lyrics by Anthony Drewe, Peter Pan is based on J.M. Barrie’s original play.
We follow the story of Wendy (Annabel Pilcher), John (Riley Manning) and Michael (Edward Jones) Darling, who listen to a bedtime story from their mother (Jo Smith) each night. Peter Pan (Martin Foley) – the boy who never grows up – sneaks into nursery to listen and is suddenly spooked, accidentally leaving his shadow behind.
Written by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth and directed by Jonathan O’Boyle, the newly reimagined musical adaptation of the 2003 smash-hit movie is back on tour for the first time since 2019, and the cast list alone is enough to spark excitement.
Based on the now world-famous true events of a group of middle-aged women in Yorkshire, Calendar Girls The Musical follows the story of the members of the Knapley Women’s Institute. Annie (Tanya Franks), is devastated following the loss of her husband John (Colin R Campbell) to cancer. With her friend Chris (Amy Robbins), they hit on the idea of creating a nude calendar featuring members of the WI to raise money for a new sofa in the visitors lounge of the hospital where John received treatment. But can they get approval from the notoriously traditional Women’s Institute and will they be able to convince their fellow WI members Ruth (Maureen Nolan), Jessie (Lyn Paul), Celia (Marti Webb), Cora (Honeysuckle Weeks) and self-proclaimed leader Marie (Paula Tapenden) to participate?
Following two smash hit West End seasons and the Whatsonstage award for Best New Musical, the record-breaking show returns to Birmingham!
Welcome to Westberg High, where Veronica Sawyers is just another nobody dreaming of a better day. But when she joins the beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers and her dreams of popularity may finally come true, mysterious rebel JD teaches her that it might kill to be a nobody, but it is murder to be a somebody…
Heathers is a blistering black comedy musical, based on the 1989 cult classic movie of the same name, starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater. Set within the corridors of Westberg High, it follows 17-year-old student Veronica Sawyer and her struggles with the social hierarchy of high school, desperate to climb the ladder and improve her popularity status. This is Mean Girls with murder!
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Outrageous, absurd… and completely fabulous!
The Rocky Horror Show returns to Birmingham’s Alexandra Theatre this week, celebrating its 50th anniversary – the longest continuous run of a contemporary musical anywhere in the world.
The Rocky Horror Show tells the story of Brad and his fiancé Janet, two clean-cut college kids who find themselves stranded after their car breaks down while on their way to visit a former college professor. Seeking help at a creepy mansion nearby, they are introduced to Dr Frank’n’Furter and embark on an adventure that they’ll never forget.
I was lucky enough to experience a press preview of some of the main cast a little while ago and expectations were high, but nothing quite prepared me for the glitz and glamour that unfolded on stage.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ A feel-good show full of fun and nostalgia
Note: This review is for the UK 2022 tour.
Featuring rock ’n’ roll songs from the million-selling Dreamboats and Petticoats albums, we see the return of Bobby, Laura, Sue and the gang in the third instalment of the smash-hit musical on stage at the Alexandra Theatre this week.
With a healthy dose of nostalgia from the start, we follow the story of Norman and the Conquests as they take on a summer gig at Butlins, Bognor Regis, and the interweaving sub-plots of the band members and their friends. Bobby (David Ribi) and Laura (Elizabeth Carter) are struggling with a long-distance relationship while Laura reluctantly embarks on a summer season in Torquay, Sue (Lauren Anderson-Oakley) feels unwanted and overlooked by flirtatious husband Norman (Alastair Hill) after giving birth to their baby. Band manager Ray (David Luke) is unsure of his career as a hairdresser and convinces girlfriend, Donna (Samara Clarke) to join them at Butlins. Including songs such as C’Mon Everybody, Blue Moon, Mony Mony and Keep on Running, we are taken on a trip down memory lane as the characters navigate their way through the trials and tribulations of young love while wanting more from their music careers. There is plenty of chemistry and all are talented vocalists, each getting the opportunity to shine in both the individual and group numbers.
Suzie Speaks 
You must be logged in to post a comment.