Strictly Ballroom

The cast of Strictly Ballroom The Musical performing Time After Time - photo by Johan Persson.

Strictly Ballroom: the musical

I am a massive fan of the film 'Strictly Ballroom' so was very excited when I heard that the director was working on a musical for the stage so booked up as soon as it  hit the West End. I was not disappointed.

The core story of the film is still there, the sweet romance, the breaking free of the conventions and the comedy parents so film fans will not be disappointed. We had an understudy for Scott Hastings the main protagonist and Dale White did not disappoint, stepping in to both the role and the solo choreography effortlessly. The performances of the acting performers was great with Stephen Matthews as the father doing great work with his small part. I found Anna Francolini and Lauren Stroud a little over the top for me but they pulled it off and the audience loved it.

The dancing was amazing! I am more familiar with ballet/modern dance so it was a real treat to see a different style of dance. Drew McOnie has really created a great visual and athletic style that is amazing to watch but is recognisable to Strictly Come Dancing fans and to those who know the film. Fran's family scenes have been extended and Ivan De Freitas as Fran's father, Merv really shows his skill as an actor and especially as a dancer commanding the scene and holding the audience spellbound.

A special mention for Will Young who sings all the songs live and pull off his Australian accent. He interacts with audience with ease and is on stage all the time which must be tiring but he kept the energy up.

I think my only criticism is that the stage seemed busy with both the live band and large bits of sets always on stage which seemed like it might restrict the dancers a little, even that they had to come on in different ways but it seemed to work and I am sure everyone whats a bigger stage!

The theatre itself is lovely with plenty of toilets and 'at seat service' but the Stalls has the same problem as alot of theatres do in that it doesn't stagger the seats so you can't always see. A great experience and worth a visit.

Hamilton

Hamilton London - Copyright Delfont Mackintosh

So after months of waiting I finally got to see the most talked about show to come from Broadway: Hamilton, and boy was it worth it. I was worried that I would be disappointed, that it would all be hype but no; moving, engaging and instantly classic songs. Worth every penny and the pain of getting there!

The musical itself is high energy and packed with stuff, Hamilton crammed alot into his life and the musical feels like it is trying to do the same but it is engaging and has some fantastic emotional moments specifically in the second half during the song 'It's Quiet Uptown'  when the entire Grand Circle could be heard sniffing and holding back the tears. All of the cast are excellent with Obioma Ugoala's George Washington belting out his songs,Michael Jibson making King George a true pantomime villain  and Jason Pennycooke, Tarinn Callender brilliantly moving from one character to another. I don't even need to say how amazing Jamael Westman was as Hamilton!

The show has some amazing choreography; the carefully planned and executed Satisfied (where we get a flashback/rewind to see an event from someone else's point of view) is brilliant! Fantastic and so hard to do!  Of course there are the awesome songs that you will have stuck in your brain from listening to the soundtrack in advance but seeing some of them live made me rethink songs that I had skipped when listening via Mp3.

Ok I am now going to wax lyrical about the costumes (so skip this paragraph if this is not of interest). Paul Tazewell has done something amazing with the costumes of Hamilton, not only are the ensemble and cast dressed in recognisable 18th Century costumes that were adaptable to the part they were to play (British or revolutionary army, party guest or sailor etc) but then THEN he designed costumes that reflect the change of fashion as the Revolution progressed i.e they become more regency in style half way through the second act!! So important and visually stunning I was completely in love with this level of detail (I know some this comes from the Creator Lin- Manuel Miranda but still). I was very impressed that Rachelle Ann Go could run about in a hoop petticoat but she did it with grace however Rachel Johns nearly fell over her skirt in her big song and reflected my worry that the dresses were not originally designed to be moved about as vigorously as they were . Hopefully they with take the skirts up a couple of inches to help with the movement and make sure Rachel Johns continues to be awesome.

I also noticed that Giles Terera had some microphone issues which is a shame as his Aaron Burr is fascinating and nuanced. The end of the musical is also poignant as it reveals the importance of the name of the show.

The merchandise is a great price and has a good selection ( I brought the unique London Hamilton T shirt with King George on for £28 and goes up to XL). Lots of toilets which is great and if the building isn't quite finished it wasn't too messy to look at. The bar was busy so I was put off getting a drink (but I was late arriving). They do have free water there if you need it.

My only issue with this theatre was my seat. I was sat in the Grand Circle and if you are are taller then 5ft 6ins BE PREPARED! My knees were jammed in the seat in front (I had bruises and little indents in them the next day) as there is barely any leg room! Seat was wide but having to fold my legs under the chair in order to sit was VERY uncomfortable. I hate when theatres just cram you in and not consider the customer experience. Theatre tickets are expensive and with live screenings at your local cinema for half the price people are going to rethink going if they are not able to be comfortable.

Hamilton is worth the wait and the price. Get ready to take your shot!!