Jenny Ell - Page 2

Last weekend saw an online celebration of Rodgers and Hammerstein's music by Hope Mill Theatre. Not only is this an opportunity to raise money for a relatively new performance space in these testing times, but it is also a chance to appreciate the duo's wonderful work.

In the latest archive recording released by Curve, their 2017 production of What The Butler Saw a?" co-produced with Theatre Royal Bath a?" is now available to stream online until the end of the lockdown period.

Perhaps one of Kander & Ebb's lesser-known works, musical comedy Curtains opened to mixed reviews on Broadway back in 2007, where it starred David Hyde Pierce as Lieutenant Cioffi. The first UK tour has been touring the country since last year before running in the West End and we have been lucky enough to have this stage version streamed for our viewing pleasure during 'lockdown'.

Following the popularity of last week's stream of Memoirs of an Asian Football Casual, Curve have whipped out another archive recording; this time, their 2016 production of The Importance of Being Earnest, co-produced with Birmingham Repertory Theatre.

At a time when the show must go onLINE and the hunger for live theatre is ever increasing, Curve has followed suit (along with other arts organisations) and dipped into their archives to stream the world premiere recording of 2018 production, Memoirs of an Asian Football Casual, for one week only.

Louise O'Neill's award-winning 2015 novel, Asking For It, has been adapted for the stage by playwright, Meadhbh McHugh, and received its UK premiere at The REP Birmingham last night, following great success in its country of origin in 2018.

Best known for appearing as professional dancers on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, Karen Hauer and Gorka Marquez are going on the road around the UK with their brand new show, Firedance Live, which promises a?oehot pulsing beats, seductive choreography and passion that will take your breath awaya??. Prior to rehearsals starting, we spoke to Karen about the upcoming production.

Presented by Stage Entertainment UK and Phil McIntyre Entertainment, Strictly Come Dancing Live opened at the Arena Birmingham last night, kicking off its UK tour following another hugely successful TV series.

The Old Joint Stock Theatre in Birmingham continues to push the boundaries of originality with their programme. Their Christmas offering is no different with live musical radio play, Miracle On 34th Street, currently bringing festive cheer to the fringe venue.

West Side Story is probably one of the most iconic of all musicals. Inspired by Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, the story is set against a backdrop of 1950's Upper West State New York and centres on rival gangs, the Jets and Sharks, and two young lovers who are drawn together from opposite sides of the tracks. Curve Leicester has chosen the Tony Award-winning show for their Christmas production this year.

Michael Jackson's music is perpetual; there is no denying the fact. Despite all of the controversy surrounding his life, even since his untimely passing in 2009, his songs have remained the constant. Thriller Live! is a stage concert celebration of Jackson's back catalogue, which has been performed across the globe since 2006.

Once in a while, a musical comes along that truly reminds you why so many of us adore the art form. The show on this occasion is The Season, which officially opened at the Royal & Derngate in Northampton last night.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar remains one of the most epic scores in musical theatre. Since 1970, the production has enjoyed success across the globe, most recently with Regent's Park's hit revival - which transferred to the Barbican earlier this year.

Last week saw the release of new album RE:ARRANGEMENT, on which well-known musical theatre songs have been reinvented to give them a new identity. The eight-track CD features some incredible voices, including Noel Sullivan, Faye Tozer and Matt Terry.

Currently performing as Tevye in the West End production of Fiddler on the Roof, Andy Nyman is an award-winning actor, director and writer. Seven years ago, he wrote a book entitled Golden Rules of Acting, which has received international acclaim within the acting community. His sequel, More Golden Rules of Acting, has been released this week, imparting additional pearls of wisdom to those already in, and those aspiring to work, in the entertainment industry.

Dolly Parton's iconic song, 9 to 5, is so recognisable from the first few notes so what better way to open her musical comedy stage adaptation. Based on the 1980 film of the same name, 9 to 5 enjoyed a successful - whilst short-lived a?' run on Broadway in 2009, following its try-out season in Los Angeles. It received a record number of Drama Desk nominations and although the critics gave it a lukewarm reception, the audiences adored the show.

Girl in a Crisis is a brand new one-woman musical that premiered in November 2018, as part of the Live at the Zedel season at Crazy Coqs in London. Starring award-winning West End performer, Lorna Want, the show was developed and directed by Simon Greiff with Andrew Fisher providing the book, music and lyrics.

Based on Alice Walker's 1982 novel and successive film in 1985, The Color Purple has enjoyed award-winning success, both for its original Broadway production in 2005 and then its revival in 2015. The show's first international production opened for a limited season in London in 2013 and in a co-production between Curve and Birmingham Hippodrome, The Color Purple is currently delighting Leicester audiences.

Heathers: The Musical has recently enjoyed a limited West End run, following an extremely successful production debuting at The Other Palace in London. The show is based on the 1988 film of the same name and although it is overwhelmingly a comedy piece, dark issues are tackled including bullying, suicide and homophobia.

It's been nearly a year since Tina: The Musical opened in London to critical acclaim. Fans of the show will be thrilled to hear that they can now get their hands on a digital copy of the cast album featuring the original company, including Adrienne Warren in the title role. A physical copy of the recording will be available later on in the spring.