REVIEW: The Rocky Horror Show at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking

Richard O’Brien’s “The Rocky Horror Show” is undoubtedly the world’s favourite rock ‘n’ roll musical, having catapulted into the hall of fame since its first appearance at The Royal Court Theatre in June 1973. It has been performed worldwide on every continent (yes, really) and has been translated into more than 20 languages. Needless to say, the show’s big-screen adaptation “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” starring Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and Richard O’Brien, is one of the most iconic movie-musicals of all time.

This production marks the new World Tour for this legendary piece with Dom Joly as The Narrator, Joanne Clifton as Janet Weiss and Ben Adams as Brad Majors. I was most excited to see Kristian Lavercombe as Riff Raff as he fast approaches his 1500th performance in the role. What a legend. 

In the velvet darkness…. Newly engaged sweethearts Brad and Janet are struck down with an unfortunate blown tyre and find themselves stranded alongside the home of Dr Frank-N-Furter; a “sweet transvestite from transsexual Transylvania”. In a sequin filled dystopian paradise of sexuality and expression, the preened pair discover they may not be all they thought. With classic numbers such as “The Time Warp”, “Touch-a Touch-a Touch-a Touch Me” and “Hot Patootie”, this show will leave you dancing in the aisles and reaffirmed with a joy for life.

REVIEW: Abigail’s Party at New Victoria Theatre, Woking

It became very apparent rather quickly at Woking’s New Victoria Theatre I was one of only a handful of millennials there. The audience was dominated by significantly older generations, which is unsurprising given the success of Abigail’s Party in the 1970’s when it was popularised in a TV Mini-Series starring Alison Steadman.

In a cast of five, we see the joys of hosting a party in suburbia for those you don’t really know all that well. Lead by the outrageously pushy Beverley, her husband Laurence and their guests are plied with alcohol and nibbles throughout the evening as they aim to distract neighbour Sue from the shenanigans happening just down the road at her house while her daughter Abigail hosts a party of her own…

The set is simple – one stereotypically dated living room prepared for a party – decorated with a fibre-optic UFO light, vinyls, cube-patterend glassware, cigarette boxes and the holy grail of a 1970’s party: half a raw potato wrapped in tin foil with cocktails sticks of tinned pineapple and unnaturally yellow cheese cubes. That living room would have been the envy of my grandmother who loved to host her Tupperware parties back in the day, but to the modern eye it is truly heinous as I would hope set designer Janet Bird intended!

REVIEW: The Band at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking

As the theatre fills, the curtain acts a projection screen upon which a classic 1993 television displays the latest events courtesy of Ceefax. Bill Clinton is the new President, a man of integrity with a wife who may have political ambitions of her own. 

It’s enough to tell us that there is truth and humour ahead, but Clinton’s elevation to the White House is not the big news of the day for 16-year old Rachel and her four besties, Debbie, Heather, Claire and Zoe. For them, the only story that matters is The Band are number one, which means lyrics and dance steps to learn and fantasies to share by the school lockers.

These are girls united by their love of The Band, each with her own future plan, to settle down, go to university, become a fashion designer, compete in the Olympics. They know their future paths will take them in different directions, The Band will always bring them back together. 

REVIEW: Benidorm at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking

Stage adaptations of books, films and television shows are nothing new and have been met with mixed success. For every Full Monty there’s a Shawshank Redemption. This new production of Benidorm follows sitcom successes such as Dinnerladies and Heartbeat and hopes to win the hearts of first time fans of the show and perhaps generate appetite for a TV comeback.

Pleasingly, many of the faces from the show appear in this show and are warmly greeted by the loyal audience who love the familiarity of their favourite characters in front of them.

It’s a strong cast too with Janine Duvitski’ particularly impressing as loud, irritating (but very funny) hotel regular Jacqueline. Sherrie Hewson is a commanding presence as hotel manager Joyce Temple Savage while Adam Gillen and Tony Maudsley are audience favourites as comedy duo Liam and Kenneth.

REVIEW: Ghost the musical at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking

Adored by millions and regarded as one of the most iconic films of the 90s, Ghost made stars of Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze and helped sales of pottery wheels rocket around the world. 

The musical version follows the story of the film faithfully and brings all the original characters to the stage, focusing on the love story of Molly and Sam and the betrayal of best friend Carl.

Rebekah Lowings is a strong and commanding presence as Molly who portrays ambition, love and heartbreak in equal measure with ease. Her voice has a good range and has great power and tenderness.

Vocally, Niall Sheehy’s Sam was excellent but the characterisation felt weak and undeveloped. There lacked a genuine chemistry early on between Molly and Sam meaning that for large parts of the show, you never really invested in the relationship. 

REVIEW: Jersey Boys at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking

Jersey Boys is a jukebox musical, packed full of smash hits from Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. The programme even features a list of “the ones that got away” – thankfully, not every song was played or we would have been there until Christmas! You’ll hear your favourite tunes – ‘December 1963 (Oh What a Night)’, ‘Sherry’, ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’, ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ and ‘My Eyes Adored You’ to name but a few.

Scaled down from its West End home at the Piccadilly Theatre, this touring production wows with its music but it lacks a certain … oomph.

Jersey Boys is unique as not only is it a jukebox musical, but it’s the real story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. It’s a remarkable story, however this production is somewhat clunky in its composition. A narration heavy production, which plods through history in a formulaic to-and-fro between speech and song. “But a to-and-fro between speech and song? That’s practically every musical ever written” I hear you say… Yes, I agree but this production relies so heavily on its narration to tell the story, the songs don’t actually aid it – they are used more like punctuation which is a total injustice to the music. With the exception of only two or three numbers, the songs are not used to tell the story – only to highlight where we are in The Four Seasons timeline … “and now, this song was released so we’re going to sing it for you”. Yes, the music is fantastic and the performances from the four Jersey Boys in particular were fantastic but the show itself lacks lustre.

REVIEW: Fame the Musical at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking

A staple on stage, screen and Walkman’s since the 80s, Fame is the classic story of hope, ambition and showbiz with a sprinkling of love for good measure. 

This production starts slowly and with a few technical wobbles, but a strong and energetic ensemble picks this production up with Morgan Jackson and Tom Mussel particularly impressing. 

The set design is relatively simple and static but allows the large cast plenty of space for some expansive choreography. The actor/muso device utilised some talented performers, namely Alexander Zane (Goody) and Simon Anthony (Schlomo), but it wasn’t always clear when the music was full band or the on stage musicians.

Jorgie Porter shows there’s much more to her than starring in a Soap and demonstrates some beautiful dance moves as budding ballet dancer Iris. Her relationship with dyslexic Tyrone (played by Jamal Kane Crawford) is the most fully formed of all the love interests and there seems a real, genuine connection between the two performers. Crawford is imposing and vulnerable in equal measure and deserves all the whoops and cheers from the female audience.

REVIEW: War Horse at New Victoria Theatre, Woking

It’s not often I’m lost for words but after half-an-hour of relentless tears, I believe my first words after this show finished were “I cannot believe what I’ve just seen.” 

War Horse is the story of a 16 year-old lad named Albert from Devon who thanks to a lucky buy from his father at the local market, inherits a foal whom he names Joey. Half thorough-bred, the locals don’t believe Joey has what it takes to help Albert and his family on their farm. “That horse won’t plough” they say. Well, Albert is full of adoration and determination to teach Joey how to be the horse his family needs and in a few short months, he’s done exactly that. However, Joey is lost to a Captain at the outbreak of the First World War. War Horse is Albert’s journey to find his horse; his Joey. 

After a hugely successful stint in London’s West End over 7 years, War Horse is embarking on a UK Tour to bring the magical journey of a boy and his horse to life. Presented by the National Theatre, this production is absolutely faultless. 

REVIEW: EVITA at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking

The New Victoria Theatre hosted opening night of the new UK Tour of Lloyd Webber’s classic “Evita” this week with Lucy O’Byrne (The Voice) as Eva Peron. This sensational musical takes us back to 1940's Argentina for us to witness the dramatic ascension of Juan Domingo Peron and how his wife, Eva Duarte becomes an international icon for not only his reign but for their country. Featuring classics such as "Oh, What A Circus", "Buenos Aires" and "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" this production is a spectacle from start to finish. 

The Phoenix Theatre in London recently held this new production before jetting off on an International Tour. I was thrilled to see the stunning set is virtually unchanged from its residential stint - a stunning combination of moving staircases and balconies, not least the iconic ‘Don’t Cry For Me Argentina’ one which received a mid-song applause. The lighting is also matched in exemplary fashion adding a new level of intensity to the show which I didn't feel before. 

O'Byrne is new to her role as Eva and her wariness was initially apparent but this Sound of Music and Les Miserables allum is a revelation in this show. Her Eva grows so dramatically throughout the show, taking us on this journey of a street-smart actress who becomes one of the most demanding and manipulative political figureheads in history. “You Must Love Me” was so poignant, the auditorium was absolutely still admiring the performance. This soprano dances on her higher register, but in numbers like "Buenos Aires" and "Goodnight and Thank You", her lower harmonies were almost inaudible however I'm happy to accept this may have just been a mic balancing issue. On opening night of a UK Tour, there were bound to be one or two teething problems.

REVIEW: Thriller Live at New Victoria Theatre, Woking

Featuring over 35 Michael Jackson hits, Thriller Live has been performing to audiences all over the world for over 10 years with more ticket sales since the King of Pop’s untimely death in 2009.

Much like Immortal by Cirque du Soleil, this show fails to tap into the mind of Jackson and instead presents the hits backed by an energetic ensemble and tight live band. Largely the hits are presented in all their glory, resisting the temptation to update or remix them. This is well received by the enthusiastic crowd tonight who are on their feet and happily join in with the audience participation.

There’s no story to follow – save a couple of facts about Jackson – and no seeming logic to the order of the numbers but the cast plough through nearly two hours of songs and dances with highlights being the final 15 minutes act one (disco MJ) and the Smooth Criminal segment in act two. When the show is good, it is a timely reminder of an artist lost and it is a joy to hear the music he left behind.

REVIEW: Matthew Bourne's Cinderella at New Victoria Woking

Matthew Bourne's company New Adventure have a prestigious reputation for exciting contemporary ballet and this revival of the 1997 production of Prokofiev's Cinderella arrives at Woking after its latest tour. It based on a beautifully conceived resetting of the fairy story into war torn London during the blitz. It draws it's inspiration from the black and white films of the era including the romantic film Brief Encounter and starts with Pathe news footage. 

The staging is set within the ruined walls which provide a background to the various London locations which are elegantly designed by Lez Brotherston including The Cafe de Paris , the London Embankment, an underground station and Paddington station with back clothes of St Paul's Cathedral and London skylines. The air raid sirens and aircraft search lights add to the period setting. 

REVIEW: Shrek the Musical at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking

Brought live to the stage as a family musical, based on the smash-hit animated film, Shrek: The Musical tells the not-so-classic fairytale story of Shrek, a lone ogre who lives in a swamp and how he comes to take on a quest to battle a fire-breathing dragon to save the beautiful princess who lives in the highest room in the tallest tower. By his side is his "noble steed" – a talking Donkey. Wonderfully light-hearted and quick-witted, Shrek The Musical is a delightful family treat for the whole family. 

A Broadway recording of this show is available on DVD Starring Brian D'Arcy James and Sutton Foster, and it's safe to say I could recite along with every word. I loved that production and so was very excited to see what this UK tour brought to the stage. Lots of things have been changed for a British audience which is understandable, however there were cuts and changes made which I simply couldn't understand. For Example, "I Know It’s Today" is a beautiful trio sung by 3 versions of Princess Fiona as she grows up over time. In this production, we had Laura Main's Princess, accompanied by puppets which she has supposedly made during her 8,423 days stuck in her tower. It just didn't work. The beauty of the song was lost and what was supposed to be funny fell flat. This was a reoccurring theme throughout the evening unfortunately. 

REVIEW: Crazy For You at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking

Crazy For You opened over 80 years ago and has been delighting audiences ever since; so can this new touring production breathe new life into an old classic?

Well, it gives it a very good go with some excellent work from the cast – namely the strong ensemble and supporting roles all of who multi role and play a plethora of instruments live on stage. Ned Rudkins-Stow particularly impresses as gormless Moose whilst excelling on bass and almost stealing the show with some great one liners.

Tom Chambers is a mixed bag as Bobby Child with his characterisation too zany for the audience to fully engage with. He is better when pretending to be theatre producer Bela Zangler and this role seems to suit him more naturally. His silky dance moves made famous by his turn on Strictly Come Dancing are on full display but his stage presence isn’t enough compared to the experience of Claire Sweeney. 

REVIEW: Cilla the Musical at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking

Telling the rags to riches story of entertainment star Cilla Black, Cilla The Musical is a real crowd pleaser of a show. Starring Kara Lily Hayworth in the title role, the show is packed full of memorable songs and an easy to follow narrative of love, ambition and the pitfalls of fame.

Hayworth is a fantastic Cilla with her mannerisms and physicality spot on for the role. Having wowed crowds in Moulin Rouge last year, she’s a performer to watch out for and her vocal in Anyone Who Had a Heart at the end of act one was a particular highlight (even inducing a standing ovation before the show had ended!

REVIEW: Birdsong at New Victoria Theatre, Woking

Birdsong is a tragic war-time tale with love at its heart. Written by Sebastian Faulks, his epic novel takes place primarily on the Western front, France between 1916-1918, with flashbacks to 1910 Amiens, France where the story of Stephen Wraysford is remembered as he meets and falls in love with Isabelle Azaire, a wealthy factory owner’s wife. 

This play is harrowing and emotionally draining (as any good WW1 piece should be). The set was superb – designed to look like the inside wall of a British trench, before magnificently yet simply transforming to underground tunnels, Somme countryside and even a luxury master-bedroom. Director Alastair Whatley (with Charlotte Peters) have done a magnificent job is bringing this stage adaptation by Rachel Wagstaff to life. The underground scenes were very well staged and suitably oppressive. I found myself crooking my neck downwards as if I were underground with the soldiers. Whatley’s job went far beyond Director for Monday night’s performance as he stepped in at last minute to perform the leading role of Stephen Wraysford which must be commended.

REVIEW: Flashdance at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking

Adapted from the screenplay of the surprise 80s hit film, Flashdance stars Strictly Come Dancing star Joanne Clifton and former A1 member Ben Adams as her love interest Nick. The films influence on popular culture in the early 80s was clear to see and won numerous accolades and made stars for the MTV generation.

Pity that the phenomenon doesn’t extend to this woeful stage version which doesn’t so much leap and bound into the New Victoria Theatre, but rather stumble clumsily into it, held together only by a strong performance by Joanne Clifton.

Clifton is an excellent Alex, in a much improved outing from her previous UK tour as the lead in Thoroughly Modern Millie. She seems at ease in the role of confident, sharp-witted Alex who dreams of being a ballet dancer and showcases her dancing skills and strong singing voice. Sadly she is the only one who dazzles in this production.

REVIEW: Strangers On A Train at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking

Strangers On A Train is based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith and made world famous by the classic Alfred Hitchcock film. A fateful encounter takes place between two men, Guy Haines and Charles Bruno, in the dining carriage of a train crossing America. Guy is the successful businessman with a nagging jealousy; Charles is the charming, calculating, enigmatic chancer with a dark secret. A daring and dangerous plan develops from this casual conversation setting in motion a chain of events that will change the two men’s lives forever.

Heading up a small but talented cast of Chris Harper who executes the character of wily Bruno perfectly. His performance is animated and mesmerising without ever turning over the top, and acts as the perfect foil for Jack Ashton’s more subdued and restrained Guy Haines. There seemed to be genuine chemistry between all the actors and Harper’s performance was a particular highlight. 

REVIEW: Hedda Gabler at New Victoria Theatre, Woking

“Hedda and Tesman have just returned from their honeymoon and the relationship is already in trouble. Trapped but determined, Hedda tries to control and manipulate those around her, only to see her own world unravel.”

Hedda Gabler is “one of the greatest dramatic parts in theatre and regarded as the female Hamlet” – so deliciously meaty and intense in its scope that any actress with any gravitas should want to play her. Created by Henrik Ibsen, his play – the aptly named “Hedda Gabler” was published in 1890. The version currently touring the UK has been edited by Patrick Marber, who just happens to be one of my favourite playwrights of all time. I would describe Marber as the mastermind of dramatising sexual politics, so for Hedda Gabler, a play with the tagline “Just Married. Bored Already. Hedda longs to be free.” I was very excited to see what the evening would bring, however it would appear I was one of few as it seems Woking’s New Victoria Theatre was at about 15% capacity that evening: an empty Grand Circle, a smattering of faces at the front of the Royal and Stalls with more empty seats than filled. I would not wish performing to an empty auditorium on any production so credit to the cast who committed steadfastly despite such a poor turn out. 

REVIEW: Sunset Boulevard at The New Victoria Theatre, Woking

Following on from Sunset Boulevard’s smash-success run at the ENO, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s much-loved musical has been touring the UK with a magnificent 16 piece orchestra. We follow struggling writer, Joe Gillis, on his quest to create a movie script which will get his name in the Hollywood history books. On his way, he meets Norma Desmond – once upon a time, a Silent Screen starlet, whose light is somewhat fading as films in Hollywood progress. Desperate to launch her return to film and fame, she shows Joe a screen-play she has been developing: a mish-mash mess about Salome – in which the aging Desmond plans to play the 16-year-old lead…. Needless to say, the plot doesn’t sit too well with Gillis, so he agrees to work with Desmond to re-write the screenplay and launch her return to the industry. In time, their relationship becomes blurred and Desmond begins to emotionally blackmail Gillis, threatening suicide and damnation if he leaves her. The story escalates and climaxes with a series of dramatic eventualities at her home, 10086 Sunset Boulevard. 

As Norma Desmond is Ria Jones, who made headlines when understudying Glen Close at the ENO in the same role. I had the pleasure of hearing her sing at the WhatsOnStage Awards last February and she received a full standing ovation after just one number. In Sunset Boulevard, she is utterly compelling and gripping as Norma. The power of her performance came from deep within her. Her eyes were so expressive that her inner monologue was almost audible. “As If We Never Said Goodbye” is one of my all-time favourite Musical Theatre songs, and the version I heard last night is my new definitive rendition. Moving and emotionally harrowing – it was perfection.

PANTOMIME REVIEW: Robin Hood at The New Victoria Theatre, Woking

There’s nothing like a pantomime to truly get you into the Christmas spirit. 

The timeless tale of Robin Hood and his merry men has stormed its way to Woking’s New Victoria Theatre for the holiday season. It’s safe to say Robin Hood is quite easily the most dynamic and exciting panto I have ever seen. Packed full of visual spectacle; acrobats, fight sequences, ACTUAL MAGIC, a 3D movie segment and even a DINOSAUR, Robin Hood is everything you could wish for in a panto. 

Shane Ritchie, of Eastenders fame (and beyond), leads this cast as Robin Hood. He is wonderfully funny and engaging with children and parents alike (especially the “yummy mummys” out there!) It simply wouldn’t be pantomime without a revamped version of The Twelve Days of Christmas and Ritchie shines effortlessly here. Who’d have thought the words “two juicy apples” could great quite so much hysteria!? To quote my thirteen year old brother - “He’s bloody hilarious”.