REVIEW: Cirque Du Soleil’s KURIOS at the Royal Albert Hall

Are you looking to delve into a world of showstopping talent? Then grab your keys and prepare to unlock Cirque Du Soleil’s Cabinet Of Curiosities at their brand new production KURIOS, currently playing at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Having admired the undeniable artistry of Cirque from afar for years, I was thrilled to be invited to the European premiere press night at one of London’s most prestigious and grand venues. 

The minute I stepped into the space, I was transported into a wonderful world of spectacular steampunk spectacles. Before the show started, we were greeted with glimpses of what was to come through pre-show interactions delivered by this curious cast. 

REVIEW: Matthew Bourne’s The Car Man at the Royal Albert Hall

Having long been a fan of Matthew Bourne’s, I was excited to see the reimagining of Bizet’s Carmen at the iconic Royal Albert Hall for its 150th birthday celebrations. Famously working his magic by modernising operas and ballets to appeal to a wider audience, The Car Man, et in 1960s America at a grubby garage-diner, is a dramatic- and steamy! - thriller. 

A small town named ‘Harmony’ becomes the scene of infidelity and murder when an attractive stranger arrives and stirs the pot, causing devastating scenes. It goes without saying that the New Adventures dancers are at the top of their game, especially when Bourne’s choreography is satisfying in every sense. 

COMING HOME: Alex Tranter, appearing in The Best of the West End at the Royal Albert Hall and will reopen in & Juliet at the Shaftesbury Theatre

 Pocket Size Theatre and Liza Heinrichs (Captured by Liz) have teamed up again and created our new series 'Coming Home'. In this new piece, we look at the reopening of Theatres in London and around the country and celebrate our industry coming back. We got together some performers who will be some of the first to return to theatres and created this piece to bring some positivity to the theatre industry which has been through one of the toughest years in our lifetime. Whilst it is important to acknowledge the hardships we've all gone through, it's important we pull together as a community and celebrate our beloved industry finally coming back! 

The reopening of the West End and theatre in general has been an exciting and also excruciatingly painful time, with the buzz of shows opening around the country and the West End also came the disappointments of cancellations due to venues not opening or for isolation purposes. As hard as it's been, we’re getting closer to the end of the tunnel and what better way to celebrate than with a big concert at the Royal Albert Hall, ‘The Best of the West End’ will play tomorrow (21st July 2021) and will celebrate all things musical theatre. 

Alex Tranter will be appearing in the show, he will also be returning to his roles in & Juliet when it reopens at the Shaftesbury Theatre on the 24th September 2021. Alex appears in the ensemble of the show and also covers the roles of Romeo, Shakespeare and Lance. Previously he has also appeared in White Christmas at the Leicester Curve, Eugenius at The Other Palace, The Glenn Miller Story at the London Coliseum and on tour, Closer to Heaven at the Union Theatre and on the UK tour of Our House. 

MADAM BUTTERFLY to return to the Royal Albert Hall

MADAM BUTTERFLY, Giacomo Puccini’s masterpiece of doomed love and tragic passion, will play a limited run at the Royal Albert Hall, beginning on 26 February 2015. David Freeman will direct, reviving his Japanese water garden production, designed by David Roger.

The opera will be sung in English, using the acclaimed translation by Amanda Holden. The cast will be accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Oliver Gooch.

The role of the young Japanese bride, Cio Cio San will be shared by Nam-Young Kim, Hyeseoung Kwon and Myung-Joo Lee, opposite Jeffrey Gwaltney, James Edwards and Mario Sofroniou in the role of American naval lieutenant, Pinkerton.  Sabina Kim, Catherine Hopper and Marcia Bellamy, and will play Suzuki, with David Kempster, Wyn Pencarreg and James Cleverton as Sharpless. 

DANIEL KOEK, star of Les Misérables, to showcase new album at Royal Albert Hall

Daniel Koek, star of the West End production of Les Misérables - recently playing the title role of Jean Valjean, is delighted to announce the launch of his new album ‘HIGH’ on the 7 July at the Elgar Rooms, Royal Albert Hall. Guests include:  Jonathan Ansell, 'Super Tenor' and ex G4 frontman, Charlotte Jaconelli, the beautiful and sweet voiced soprano from Britain’s Got Talent and the gorgeous and the talented Na-Young Jeon, West End leading Lady famed for her roles as Kim in Miss Saigon and Fantine in Les Misérables.

Tracks on the new album include: Bring Him Home, Oceano, February Song and duets with Jonathan Ansell and Les Misérables co-star, Carrie Hope Fletcher.

The follow up to his last album Self-Titled Tenor is available for Pre-Order through PLEDGE, any advance copies will also help Daniel raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care who work tirelessly to provide care and support for terminally ill people in their own homes: http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/danielkoek