Category: Brett Herriot Review

**** (4 stars)

“Captures childhood dreams in the most magical of ways”

Legendary composer Andrew Lloyd Webber’s astonishing back catalog of shows are enjoying a critically acclaimed revival’s at venues across London and around the world. The trickiest to stage of his shows marked its 40^th anniversary in 2024 with the conception of a brand new immersive production at the purpose built theatre, The Troubadour at Wembley Park (Formally the fountain studios). The show is of course Starlight Express!

Originally debuting in 1984 Starlight express is a musical based on a child hood dream and a fascination with trains. For context Webber tried to adapt the Thomas the tank engine stories prior to Starlight without much success only to achieve a genre defying musical that pushed the boundaries of both performances and venues.

40 years later Starlight is back at Wembley in production that oozes every penny of its massive budget and beautifully captures childhood dreams in the most magical of ways.

As has been the tradition the show features an updated score and some tweaks to the characters, Poppa is now gone and replaced by Momma, a captivating performance from jade Marvin whose rich vocals bring enchanting warmth to the character. Also the role of “Control” is no longer just a voice but an enchanting child cast who perform in rotation.  Director Luke Sheppard has also blurred the gender roles in the casting with previous male characters being played by females and vice versa whilst also embracing a non binary approach is also to be commended.

Performances are uniformly excellent, although at the performance we saw there was a slight feeling of a long week of performances catching up with the company, it was a Sunday after all, that said every performance was west end worthy. Jeevan Braich as “Rusty” leads the company with a soulfoul interpretation that captures the characters hopes and desires extremely well. The same is true of Sophie Naglik’s “Pearl” who gives a charming take on a prince charming role. Starlight express is after all a parable on Cinderella! Olivia Ringrose and Asher Forth deliver an inspired “ugly sister” pairing as “Greaseball” and “Electra” respectively giving them just enough edge to be a baddie but still likeable by the youngest members of the audience. The principals are joined by an outstanding thirty strong ensemble including swings who show real flair in performing while on roller skates. Special mention has to go to Nicky Wong Rush as “Tassita” who gives a sassy and capturing performance every moment there on stage. Also to Charlie Russel, Jamie Addison and Dante Hutchinson as “Marshals” with death defying stunt’s a plenty.

Production wise this is a total triumph that’s only achievable by having a purpose built venue to work with, Which has allowed set designer Tim Hatley to build an immersive world for Starlight to inhabit and my word does it knock the eye out. It’s further boosted by Andrzej Goulding’s astonishing video design coupled with Howard Hudson’s beguiling lighting design that take the breath away. Gareth Owen’s bespoke sound design ensures every nuance of the show is heard perfectly as is musical director Laura Bangay’s polished off stage band.

Starlight express’s original costume design already set the bar extremely high, so how do you top it and bring it into 2025? Well costume designer Gabriella Slade has achieved the impossible with costumes that redefine the show in awesome style but still allow the incredible roller-skate wearing company to deliver Ashley Nottingham’s Choreography with detailed accuracy. The production also benefits from the shows original creative Dame Arlene Phillips returning as Creative Dramaturg.

Four decades on Starlight Express is still imbued a with a child like heart filled with joy, laughter, imagination and adventure in equal measure and explores the lighter and fun side to Webber’s writing. It also expresses his love for his own children especially Nick, Andrew’s son whom he wrote the show for and now acts as a tribute to his late son. One thing is for sure only you have the power within you to embrace the starlight and make an express journey to Wembley to enjoy a truly magical production!

Starlight Express, Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre, London, The production is currently scheduled to run until March 2026 for more information and tickets go to: https://www.starlightexpresslondon.com/

***** (5 Stars)

“Redefines the power of musical theatre to explore one’s self!”

The Tony and Olivier award winning Dear Evan Hansen marks its 10^th anniversary since its debut at the Arena Stage in Washington DC in July 2015 with its first UK Tour and it makes its final stop at the Playhouse Theatre for a week long run with a production that captures the heart of its audiences and simply redefines the power of musical theatre to explore one’s self and the world around them.

This critically acclaimed musical with book by Steven Levenson and music & lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul has enjoyed lengthy runs both off and on Broadway at the Second Stage and Music Box theatres plus a three year run in London West end at the Noel Coward Theatre brought a new generation of theatre goers to the world of musical theatre. Thanks to it’s fresh and relevant score and massively moving story that explores the life of Evan Hanson, a simply astonishing performance from Ryan Kopel, a high school senior with social anxiety, who following a harrowing tragedy at his school invents a relationship that links him to the victim and there family in a moving exploration of connections, social media and mental health in a 24/7 digital world were words can hurt and heal in equal measure and they can also so easily take on a life of their own.

This production has lost none of its raw power and emotional punch thanks to an outstanding cast who deliver faultless and flawless performances throughout. Kopel is revelation as Hansen bringing a brilliantly judged physicality to the role along with emotional depth and stunning vocal his is a pure west end worthy turn. The same is true of Alice Fearn in the role of Heidi Hansen her ability to explore the life journey of the single mother who doesn’t see her child fully until it’s almost too late is beguiling to watch. Stepping into the role of Connor Murphy is Will Forgrave who turns in a polished and truthful performance as the character that blurs the line between reality and truth. Connor’s family have the most emotionally honest journey in the show with Helen Anker “Cynthia Murphy”, Richard Hurst “Larry Murphy” and Lauren Conroy “Zoe Murphy” delivering utterly convincing performances of a family struggling to put the pieces back together and all three shine in both there solo moments and when the share the stage together they somehow make the vast expanses of the Playhouse auditorium feel like your own front room and you feel honored to be a fly on their wall such an incredible talent indeed.

Production wise this is nothing less than triumph with Morgan Large’s Set, Costume and Co Video design harnessing the best of the west end production and adds to the shows over all power. This is boosted by Matt Daw excellent lighting design that blends perfectly with the shows modern setting. Tom Marshall’s sound design does get there in the end but the start of the performance it felt like the sound needed turned up but this is merely an opening faux pa that’s easily fixed. The balance between cast and Musical Director Michael Bradley’s nine strong pit band is excellent and adds the cherry to and incredible musical theatre cake.

Director Adam Penford has put emotional honesty at the heart of this production and proves that the very best of modern musical theatre is not simply viewed and enjoyed but experienced and that’s what Dear Evan Hansen does so brilliantly well.  Its Mantra that sometimes being just who and what we are is more than enough is a potent statement for modern times in which we live.

Theatre that touches the heart doesn’t come any better than this so do what you must to grab what little tickets remain as the tour ends at the Playhouse as who knows when Dear Evan Hansen will be waving through the window once more.

Dear Evan Hansen,  Edinburgh Playhouse, Runs until Saturday 5^th July2025. For more information and tickets go to: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/dear-evan-hansen/edinburgh-playhouse/

The UK Tour ends and the conclusion of the Playhouse run.

***** (5 Stars)

“An Intoxicating Delight!”

The Broadway and West End smash hit Moulin Rouge! The musical embarks on its first world tour with a debut season at the Edinburgh Playhouse. Based on Baz Luhrmann’s acclaimed 2001 motion picture taking audiences into the heart of the great Moulin Rouge cabaret club in Paris which celebrates its 135^th Anniversary this year where decadence meets creativity as humanity of the bohemians come together to perform. It’s also the timeless story of forbidden love between Satine, A stunning performance from Verity Thompson and Christian, a beguiling turn from Nate Landskroner. It’s a heady mix that proves to be an intoxicating delight!

This is a juke box musical that raises the bar to new heights with a beautiful book by John Logan and the original creative team of Director Alex Timbers, Chorographer Sonya Tayeh reunite for this production which brings the magic and sparkle of the West End to Edinburgh and leaves the audiences beguiled with its charm.

Performances are faultless across the board, with both Thompson and Landskroner delivering career defining and finally nuanced performances and they prove they have the vocal ability to match. Cameron Blakely is a triumph of comedy timing and showmanship in the role of “Harold Zidler”. James Bryers brings terrific villainy to his role as “The Duke” but allow just enough the characters fear to flow through.  The ten strong principal cast are joined by an outstanding 15 strong ensemble who Paris of 1899 to life with ease and style in equal measure. There isn’t single wrong note among this tight cast who sing with gusto back by Musical Director Ben Ferguson’s utterly sublime ten strong pit orchestra.

Production wise you won’t see a better theatrical treat in Scotland. Derek McLane scenic design is awe inspiring and flows from the footlights and embrace the massive playhouse auditorium. This is bolstered by Justin Townsend’s remarkable lighting design that sets new standards for touring productions. Peter Hylenski’s Sound design is everything and more. Special mention must go to Catherine Zuber’s outrageous, stunning and simply eye popping costume design. The costumes not only enrich the story but embrace the true soul of the Moulin Rouge itself.

Moulin Rouge’s heartfelt message is the greatest thing you will ever learn is just to love and be loved in returned! And my word does that exude from every moment this production is front of its audiences. This is a show that’s steeped in love from its creative’s, its cast, its musicians and its audiences in equal measure.

The Playhouse is the only Scottish date on the world tour for now and reaffirms the venues standard as being the home of the West End Musical seeing Moulin Rouge! The musical will change your expectations of what musical theatre can do and you’re going to miss out on something truly epic if you don’t grab those last remaining tickets now! So Hurry along because you Can Can Can!!!Moulin Rouge The Musical,  Edinburgh Playhouse, Runs until Saturday 14^th June 2025. For more information and tickets go to:https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/moulin-rouge-the-musical/edinburgh-playhouse/

***** 5 Stars

“Truly Divine!”

Its breathtaking to think that thirty-three years have passed since 1992’s smash hit musical movie “Sister Act” starring the legendary Whoopi Goldberg was released. Telling the story of a Las Vegas show girl, Deloris Van Cartier, when working a casino in Reno she is witness to a shocking crime. She needs to hide while awaiting to give evidence at the trial and divine intervention steps in as she goes to ground in a catholic convent. Challenged by the mother superior to anything that will make the choir sound better she discovers a new passion for music and is touched by sisterhood making her discover her true place in the world.

Following a sequel movie in 1993, it would be 13 years later in 2006 that the original movie was adapted for the stage in a musical with music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Glenn Slater and a book by Bill and Cheri Steinkellner. The musical transposes the action to 1978 and the score is a disco infused eruption of joy that puts comedy along with a major dose of pathos at its heart.

The show has enjoyed global success with productions in both the west end and on Broadway. It’s now beloved with local companies and Portobello based Stage Door Entertainment take on the show in their resident venue of the Town Hall and they deliver a production which is Truly Divine!

Directed by Lisa Goldie with musical direction from Tommie Travers and Choreography by Aidan O’Brien the production team have performances at the centre of a show rich in comedy, stunning vocals and heart touch pathos.

Performances across the board are excellent with the simply stunning performance from Tinofara Fombe in the role of “Deloris Van Cartier” which is more remarkable as this performance is her debut in Musical Theatre. She truly captures the essence of Deloris perfectly and has the vocal power to stun those walking by the town hall let alone the audience in the auditorium. Deborah Beveridge channels her best Dame Maggie Smith in the role of “Mother Superior” Beveridge delivers a” Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” take but her comedy timing is peerless and that matches her faultless vocals. Special mention also must go to Orla McDonald Russell in comedic tour de force as Sister Mary Lazarus. While the female roles are the centre of the show, with company fielding a near fifty strong ensemble, there are wonderful performances from the men too. Peter Tomassi gives the right edge of villainy as Curtis and he is supported in wonderful style by Stephen Donaldson, Marc Robertson and Fionn Cameron as Joey, Tj and Pablo respectively. Rounding out a stellar principal cast is Kevin McConnachie as “Eddie” who takes the audience on a journey of self discovery in wonderful style.

Production wise Stage Door have delivered well within the confines of the town hall, Travers, O’Brien and Chris Cowies set design is perfectly judged and Heather McLuskey’s lighting design adds real theatrical magic. At this press performance there was a slight technical delay due to sound issues but Simon Ferguson on sound delivered a faultless show and the audience would never have known the difficulties faced. Lesley O’Brien’s costume design is bang on the money and the cherry on the sister act cake is the stunning 11 strong pit orchestra under the baton of Travers who clearly revel in the show as much as the cast.

Stage Door entertainment have proven there here to stay in the town hall and each production keeps getting better and better. With several more productions planned for the rest of the year the audiences will keep returning. So why not grab a ticket and be blessed with theatrical treat of divine proportions. 

Stage Door Entertainment Presents Sister Act the Musical, Portobello Town Hall runs until Saturday 17^th May 2025, for Info and tickets go to: https://www.stagedoorentertainment.co.uk/sister-act-tickets

**** (4 Stars)

“Intensely Gripping”

Originally commissioned as an audio play by the Royal Lyceum Theatre and now developed in collaboration with the National Theatre of Scotland and the National Theatre as part of London’s Generate programme. Keli returns to the Lyceum taking up residence on their main stage ahead of a Scottish Tour.

Written and composed by Martin Green and directed by Bryony Shanahan KELI, a taught and emotionally engaging performance from Liberty Black, tells the story of a fiery, sharp witted seventeen year-old in a former mining town in central Scotland. The pits are long gone have little meaning to Keli, but the mines left music in the blood of both the town and its residence. As the best player her brass band has ever had, music is easy. Everything else is a fight. Feeling trapped in small-town life, the pressure mounts in an intensely gripping play that at its heart is an exploration of community, creativity, music and the desire to identify in generation long detached from the struggles of the miner’s strikes and it’s still lingering effects.

Green’s writing while intense does rely on a non ending stream of strong language and while it does convey Keli’s story it eventually gets tiring in a play that clashes “Trainspotting” with “Brassed off” to a highly stimulating effect. While the show does feature both the Whitburn and Kingdom Brass Bands its Green’s compositions that set this show apart. It’s blend of traditional brass band instruments with a modern soundscape really brings the show alive in both intensity and passion and is a beguiling element that makes the show soar.

Performances from the eight strong cast are excellent with Liberty Black leading the company with an high accomplished performance as “Keli”. Karen Fishwick puts in a stellar performance as “Jane/Lady S/Euphonium” a talented musician in her own right with acting ability of true depth.  Olivia Hemmati makes her professional début with a comedic tour de force as “Amy/Saskia”. Phil McKee turns in a finally crafted dramatic performance as “Brian” whose strength and sensibility is a calming factor to the intensity of Keli. Critically acclaimed Scottish actor Billy Mack returns to the show in the role of “William” an ethereal figure from the past but thanks to Mack’s accomplished performance delivers a character of real depth.

Production wise Keli delivers a dystopian world thanks to the Set and Costume design from Alisa Kalyanova whose brilliant design captures the long gone coal seams, to the band rehearsal room and even the Royal Albert Hall with ease. This is enhanced by Robbie Butler’s deeply thoughtful lighting design which is complimented in excellent style by George Dennis’s Sound Design.

Keli is brave as it is capturing and delivers on the National Theatre of Scotland mission to explore untapped theatre makers that represent the best of Scotland and its stories. As Keli heads out on tour it truly delivers a refreshingly adult story that puts music and its power at its heart. Beguiling stuff indeed.

National Theatre of Scotland Presents Keli, Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh, Runs until Saturday 17^th May. For more information and tickets go to: https://www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/events/keli#dates-and-times

 The Production will tour to Dundee Rep, Perth Theatre and Glasgow Tramway.