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“A fully immersive explosion of the senses “

**** 4 Stars

Remarkably it’s been 18 years since Suzanne Collins seminal and generation defining book “The Hunger Games” was published and during the two-decade period there have been four further books in the series encompassing the original trilogy and two prequels.  There are also the major motion picture adaptions starting in 2012 with Jennifer Lawrence playing Katness Everdeen and Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark the story lead protagonists.

Could such a viral and evolving world ever work on stage? Well since the arrival of one of London’s newest and be far most immersive theatrical spaces created by the team at Troubadour, who have developed their newest theatre space in the heart of Canary Wharf, its time to find out! and my word do they deliver a fully immersive explosion of the senses!

Adapted from the original book and the first motion picture by Connor McPherson, Directed by Matthew Dunster and with Choreography by Charlotte Broom this is a production which puts ensemble event theatre at its heart while the staging and effects are incredible the trade-off is a loss of intimacy with the characters especially with Katness Everdeen performed by Mia Carragher while Carragher performs the role well she also acts as the show narrator and leaves the role with more two dimensional effect than a fully rounded character which leaves the audiences wishing the character showed just a tad more emotional depth and range. That said her spark with Euan Garrett as Peeta Mellark is as palpable as it is emotional and true credit to both performers, they carry a huge show on the shoulders with real depth and talent.

This really is ensemble theatre at its best the 28 strong company are fully committed and shine in what must be the most physically demanding productions in London. It is a workout of physical endurance and there are moments of sheer gravity defying choreography by Charlotte Broom especially in the sequence the cast are glued to the floor yet defy all sense of balance in a uniquely beguiling moment.

Production wise this is a triumph that’s only achievable with the venue being built to specially hold the show. Miriam Buether’s auditorium design is fully immersive to the point that some districts (seating banks) move during the show allowing audience members to view some scenes in the round and others in traverse a beautiful touch from director Matthew Dunster that allows the story to flow across the arena. Lucy Carter’s lighting design is one of pure beauty on an epic scale matched by Ian Dickinsons exquisite sound design. Tal Rosner’s video design is inspired and allows for the inclusion of John Malkovich as President Snow to work without overpowering the story or the performers on stage. The show is one of pure awe-inspiring magic thanks to Chris Fisher’s Illusion design, Kev McCurdy’s fight direction and John Maddox’s incredible work on performer flying and special effects.

Special mention must go to Moi Tran’s costume design its lush, futuristic, gorgeous and knocks the eye out whilst bringing the world of Panem to life and will prove to be an award winner. The same is true of JJ Wigs, wig, hair and make up design.

The Hunger Games on Stage really does deliver the ultimate immersive theatre experience that captures the audience from the moment the curtain rises and doesn’t let go for the next two and half hours. This is a show which will please the ardent fans alongside those discovering Panem for the first time.

This is theatre that lasts in memory long after you have seen it and reminds us that with creative endeavour just how good live theatre can be and the Troubadour Canary Wharf has set the barrier high! So why not head to the heart of London’s financial district and discover the power of Panem for yourself! It really is unmissable!

The Hunger Games on Stage, Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, for more information and tickets go to: The Hunger Games: On Stage | London Stage Show | Official Site

“Beguilingly Beautiful! “

***** 5 Stars

David Nicholls critically acclaimed 2009 novel One Day was adapted for the big screen in 2011 to great success before being adapted again for the small screen by Netflix in 2021 now the story that has touched the hearts of a generation gets a musical adaptation with book by David Greig, music and lyrics by Abner & Amanda Ramirez and additional lyrics by Jeremy Sams in a lyceum  and melting pot production that transcends the power of musical theatre leaving the audience wrapped by its beguilingly beautiful heart.

One Day tells the story of Emma (an enrapturing performance from Sharon Rose) and Dexter (a powerfully moving turn from the gifted Jamie Muscato) who on St Swithun’s day 1988 (July 15^th) have a one-night stand following their graduation from the University of Edinburgh knowing they must part the following morning. Emotions and connections are made as we revisit the couple on the same date for the next 20 years. There connection shaping their journey in exploration of how the small things make the biggest impact. It’s an honest exploration of life through both the good and bad times and a connection that appears unbreakable but then not everything is at it appears. Ultimately this is musical that explores the human condition in all its truth.

Directed by Max Webster this is an outstanding piece of musical theatre performed by a uniformly brilliant sixteen strong ensemble company who shine in every moment on stage. Muscato is a powerhouse of emotions, and he truly captures the emotions of Dex perfectly and his chemistry, which is the lynch pin of the story, with Sharon Rose is thrillingly truthful. Rose matches Muscato in spades with gorgeous honey-soaked vocals. The ensemble shine especially when delivering Carrie- Anne Ingrouille’s effective and capturing choreography. Special mention must go to Josefina Gabrielle as Alison Mayhew her performance takes emotional honesty to new levels as she turns in an award-winning performance.

Production wise One Day is an utter triumph; the Lyceum has been fully transformed into an in the round space thanks to Rae Smith’s incredible Set and Costume Design. There isn’t a bad seat in the house, and every audience member will enjoy perspective of the show that’s unique to them whilst also delivering breath taking intimacy the show thrives on. There is a flawless lighting design from Bruno Poet that captures life’s moments and emotions with equal grace and detail. Simon Baker’s sound design is equally flawless and the balance between performers and musical director Nigel Lilley’s exquisite  6 strong band is pitch perfect.

Speaking of the music, its fresh truthful and emotional and never overbearing and brings a rich quality to the show overall. One Day is a show which deserves all the accolades and it’s an honour to be able to see the show makes its debut in its home city.

The Royal Lyceum company have collaborated with Melting Pot to create a piece of theatre which not only transcends the art form but gives its audience a powerful jolt in that sometimes putting the story at the centre of the piece and eschewing glitzy special effects can truly release the heart of a show.

One Day is simply unmissable theatre and despite its admittedly long run time, the pacing is so perfect the show sails by leaving you wanting more. At the core of this timely and timeless production is love. Love for the art form, Love for the Story and love as the most potent of human emotions.

This is quite simply event theatre, and you would be foolish to miss it!, so grab what few tickets remain at the Lyceum and if you can try sitting on stage for a truly unforgettable theatrical experience and let the power of One Day the musical change all you knew about musical theatre.

One Day the Musical runs until Sunday 19^th April, for more information and tickets go to: One Day: The Musical | Lyceum

**** 4 Stars

“A Show That Truly Rocks!“

It’s hard to believe that acclaimed rock musical, We Will Rock You is approaching its 25^th anniversary since its debut in London’s West End at the Dominion Theatre in May 2002 with music by the iconic band Queen and book by Ben Elton the show would run for 12 years before finally closing in 2014. There have been several productions since including tours and a West End revival.

The show has been released for local and amdram companies to perform and right now it feels like every single local Scottish company have managed to get their hands on the rights. Now Edinburgh based The Bohemians bring their production of the show to the hallowed ground of the capital cities Festival Theatre and my word this is a show that truly rocks!

Set 300 years into the future The musical tells the story of a renegade group known as the Bohemians who struggle to restore the free exchange of thought and culture in a vaguely Orwellian society. Earth is now the iplanet that evil Khashoggi (a wickedly evil performance from Max Mitchell) and Killer Queen (the utterly faultless Rosie Sugrue) seek to control the iplanet by banning all music. Can Galileo (an inventive take from Colin Sutherland) with the help of on, off and on-again lover Scaramouche (a blistering performance from Rebecca Driver) tap into the power of the rock gods to save both themselves and the world from such evil? You soon find out in a show which is packed with Queen hits and delivered by a company who ooze passion for performing.

Ben Eltons writing is aft clunking in a show that becomes more a tapestry of set pieces with which to hang the story on, but it works brilliantly especially by the Bohs who harness the comedy and power of the music with in it.

Performances are uniformly excellent with Sutherland leading the company in style his Galileo is the perfect blend of geek meets naivety, and he has the rock vocals down to a tee. The same is true of Drever’s Scaramouche as well as Sugrue’s awesome vocal powers as Killer Queen. Special mention must go to Ryan Livingstone as “Brit” my word does he look every inch like he has just walked out of Aerosmith and straight on to the Festival Theatre Stage clad in a leather Kilt his vocals and style are pitch perfect for this show.

Director Malcy J Burnett has delivered well considering the onstage company totals nearly 70! Performers that’s some achievement given the show features around 18 actual named parts, but he makes the most of the expansive space of the Festival Theatre to ensure they all get there moment to shine. Speaking of shining Choreographer Fiona Burns has delivered the impossible with this huge company who deliver her routines with true style and polish. Musical director Finlay Turnbull has delivered a triumphant job; he and his fabulous seven strong onstage band are the driving force of this show and keep an eye out for Cal Gardner on drums living his best life!

This we will rock you only has a couple of niggles one is the Transitions between scenes which needs to be sped up as the audience are left for lingering moments in the darkness and these moments to tend to build up and cause the show to drag a little.  Production wise the company have used the vast space offered on the Festival Stage to their advantage utilizing a fabulous giant video screen with design by Scott Davidson and Malcy Burnett that gives the show its future feel with ease. Scott Davidson also delivers a west end worthy Lighting design that goes from intimate moments to stadium spectacular with ease. Sam O’Neil’s sound design does work but needs a little more refining in order to ensure mics are going live in time and a better balance between performers and band but once the show beds in it will no doubt tighten naturally.

Mhairi Summers and Elaine Dawson’s costume design is the cherry on this rock explosion of talent! Embracing both rock and matrix dystopian world with ease.

The Bohemians can hold there heads high they have a delivered a We Will Rock You the captures the heart of the original, if they can get those transitions a little more snappy and balance the sound then a fifth star is within there grasp for now head to the Festival Theatre and let this awesomely talented company rock your soul!

The Bohemians present We Will Rock You The Musical runs until Saturday 28^th February, for more information and tickets go to: We Will Rock You – Capital Theatres