Category: Brett Herriot Review

***** (5 stars)

“The Evita of our Times!”

The renaissance of the works of Andrew Lloyd Webber continue in theatres across London and the world and acclaimed director Jamie Lloyd continues his critically acclaimed work of not only reviving productions but totally reinventing them for audiences who are clamoring  to grab those gold dust tickets.

Jamie Lloyd is truly an impressive symbol of an impassioned new generation of theatre makers who thrills in blurring the lines between live on stage action and live camera work whilst deploying strip backed sets, he allows his talented casts and musicians to carry the load. It worked beautifully on Sunset Boulevard. However can he repeat the feat on Lloyd Webbers 1978 Olivier award winning adaptation of Argentina’s Eva Peron’s Life namely Evita? The answer is a resounding yes and he and his extraordinary cast deliver an Evita of our times!

The story of Eva Peron’s life from the quite backwaters of Argentina to becoming the spiritual leader of the nation is one filled with the dramatic power of love, self belief and ultimately human sacrifice wrapped around a world gripped by a political power play. That power play is now directly reflected in our modern day world and Jamie Lloyd harnesses all that power in this production that lives up to and defies the hype that surrounds it especially that magical moment on the balcony of the London Palladium over looking Argyle Street. 

Performances are across the board are uniformly excellent, none more so than Rachel Zegler making her west end debut as Eva Peron she gives a performance that crackles and sparkles with energy throughout from Eva’s hip and trendy young days to the ball gown and diamond bedecked moment of raw power as she implores those to “don’t cry for me Argentina” Zegler understanding of Eva’s power over the people shine through in an outstanding vocal performance that moves the palladium audience to both wrapped silence and thunderous ovations throughout the performance. She is joined by Diego Andres Rodriguez as “Che” who matches Zegler in a performance filled with raw power and tenacity with gorgeous honey soaked vocals he truly makes the character is own. 

James Olivas brings an understated dignity to his turn as “Juan Peron” but also gives the character a marvelous multi faceted dimension as Juan battles between holding power over the people, his love for Evita and his carnal desires for other women. Aaron Lee Lambert brings comedy and light to his turn as “Augustin Magaldi” and gives the overall show wonderful balance and symmetry. 

The principal cast are joined by stellar and well drill thirty strong ensemble, every one of them west end worthy and beyond as they deliver both the people in inhabit Evita’s life but also every fancy of Argentinean Humanity and the sparkle while delivering Fabian Aloise’s polished Choreography that blends Latin, ballroom and musical theatre themes with ease.

This Palladium production is a partial revival of the 2019 Regent’s Park open air theatre production also directed by Lloyd, which was due to transfer to the Barbican, but the pandemic scuppered those plans so it’s a joy to see the original creative team reuniting to deliver a flawless technical production. 

Soutra Gilmour’s Set and Costume Design is utterly sumptuous as it is stripped back, the bleachers rising high above the Palladium stage with Musical director Alan Williams stellar 17-piece orchestra positioned on the top delivering Lloyd Webber’s score in thrilling style. The orchestra and indeed cast are given an epic sound design from Adam Fisher that brings every note and lyric by Lloyd Webber and Sir Tim Rice to vivid life. This is topped off by Jon Clark’s incredible lighting design that harnesses both open spaces and intimacy with ease. Special mention must go to Tom Durrant who leads the video team. It’s a thrilling addition to the show and the fact that Jamie Lloyd has restricted the video use to very select moments further enhances the show and truly that moment on balcony must be seen from within the palladium to understand its grandeur and power. 

The Palladium production of Evita is not a refreshing of the show more a complete reinvention that seeks to engage the audience by showing the true power and grace of its story coupled with outstanding award worthy performances from the entire company all wrapped in the creative drive of one of the most visionary directors of this new generation.

The show is selling out with ease and is undoubtedly the hottest tickets of London’s summer season! The truth is we have always loved her, so what wrong with you! rush to the Palladium for what few tickets are left and be forever changed by the raw intense power of EVITA!

Evita, The London Palladium runs until Saturday 6^th September for more information and tickets go to: https://www.evitathemusical.com/

Please Note Rachel Zegler does not perform at all performances as Bella Brown will perform the Role of Eva Peron on selected dates.

**** (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