Pre Christmas Theatrefest

[Stewart A]

Just got back from London and saw 6 shows - here's my quick ratings,

THE BODYGUARD *****stars - never seen the film but good story, sets, great music and above all outstanding performances by Heather Headley, Debbie Kirkup and Lloyd Owen.

SCROOGE ***stars - thought I'd see something festive. Good performances all round, especially Tommy Steele. Well staged and an easy enough story to watch but sadly not one memorable tune.

SPAMALOT **** stars - great silly fun, although heard some people in the interval saying it was too silly and they weren't enjoying it. Good performances all round with memorable tunes and funny lyrics. Maybe not as funny as I had expected but still good fun and worth seeing.

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG ***** stars - one of Sondheim's lesser known shows and not revived as often as others. I loved the intimacy of the Menier Chocolate Factory which added to the enjoyment. Good story with a stellar cast and good music. Also thought provoking at times.

ROCK OF AGES ** stars - I knew some of the songs and had heard this show was very funny. The music wasn't really my thing but I guess there were some fun moments but not enough to make it worth seeing in hindsight. A couple of the characters - Lonny and Dennis were the best things in it. I am sure I recognised one of the ushers - a tallish slim guy with long brown hair and a beard - was he in that Superstar programme on ITV or has he been in something else - it's bugging me where I know him from.

PRIVATES ON PARADE *** stars - I guess this was enjoyable enough overall but didn't live up to my expectations after the great reviews. Interesting enough story and good performances, especially Simon Russell Beale camping it up big style.

I got most of the shows discounted so not as pricey as it might sound.