leeds grand theatre

A Variety of Theatre Visits

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In August I was once again lucky enough to attend theatre productions on a number of occasions. Each event was brilliant, but they were also very varied. As you most likely know, my preferred choice is musical theatre, but recently have been fortunate to see some slightly different performances, which is always interesting and adds a new perspective to the world of theatre.

Fiddler on the Roof – Grand Theatre, Leeds

I have always loved this show, ever since seeing the film version when I was very young. I have seen a number of stage versions. This one was the same production I saw in Regent’s Park last year. I was interested to see how it would transfer to indoor theatre, as the outdoor theatre definitely makes an impact on productions.

I went with my friend who has never seen the show before. I have tried many times to get my husband to go and watch it, but although he likes the majority of the music, he finds the film too long and boring, so will not give the live version a go.

The production lived up to expectations. The singing and harmonies were beautiful. The dancing, particularly by the men was amazing and the set was pretty impressive and very close to how it had originally been staged at the outdoor theatre. I wasn’t sure what my friend would think, but at the interval she turned to me and just said “wow”, which told me everything I needed to know.

There has been some criticism of the use of regional accents rather than the traditional Jewish accents. For me it did spoil it at all and I would prefer actors using their own accents, or ones they know well rather than hearing disappointing attempts at an accent which then takes away from the enjoyment of the show.

I am so glad I got to see it again. It is an old story, but the themes of suspicion of others, rebellious children, culture clashes, politics, belief and tradition are all still relevant in todays society. The sad thing is that in many ways we don’t really seem to have moved forward.

The Tempest – Ascott House , Leighton Buzzard

I have not seen a lot of Shakespeare and generally stick to the well known ones (Romeo and Juliet, MacBeth), or the one I learned at O’Level (A Midsummer Night’s Dream). The main reason I saw this was because my daughter’s partner was in the production. This was an outdoor event, in the most beautiful surroundings on a beautiful sunny day, with very lovely snacks and in the company of friends, so what’s not to like?

The Tempest is a story of romance, magic, betrayal and forgiveness. In this production the majority of the actors play a number of characters. This works very well and the majority of the acting was entertaining and convincing. It had some very funny moments, involving people within the audience. There was a lot of action, running around the stage and out into the audience which gave it an energetic feel.

It was an excellent evening and a good way to see Shakespeare if you’re not sure whether you’ll like it or not. It certainly makes the plays more accessible to an audience who may have previously avoided Shakespeare.

Brigadoon – Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

I am a massive fan of this theatre and feel that it gives new life to shows that have not been seen for many years. The theatre itself has a lovely atmosphere, particularly at this time of year when you suddenly realise that it has become dark whilst you have been watching.

As always the set was imaginative and stunning. The show began with two pipers walking down the extremely steep steps to the stage, such a beautiful sound and sight which made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck.

The story is about a village which only appears every one hundred years. There is love, laughter and jealousy amid some beautiful music and some of the most incredible dancing I have seen in a long time. The singing was breathtaking.

The costumes were a blend of traditional Scottish attire, muted colours and a modern twist, which worked really well and looked beautiful.

As always in newer productions some things had been altered from the original, but in this instance it did not feel that it interfered with the flow of the show and for me, actually added to the drama of the story. I enjoyed the evening and I would describe it as “nice”, which sounds a little bit flat, but it left you feeling warm and calm rather than elated or heartbroken.

Guys and Dolls – Wakefield Youth Theatre, Theatre Royal Wakefield

We have supported the Youth Theatre at Wakefield for many years and have never been disappointed with any of their productions. This year was no exception. Guys and Dolls is one of my husband’s favourite shows with his favourite number being “sit down you’re rocking the boat”.

This production had everything you could hope for, colourful costumes, amazing singing, excellent acting and precise, energetic dancing. All the leads were flawless and the ensemble gave their all to each and every number.

My husband’s favourite number was performed to absolute perfection and we left the theatre feeling impressed and with our moods lifted, ready for the rest of the weekend.

A Trio of Theatre Visits

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Just recently I have been lucky enough to enjoy three trips to the theatre. All of them were to shows I’ve not seen live before. I’ve done a little review on each one

Hamilton

Bradford Alhambra was the location for the touring production of Hamilton. I have seen the Broadway version which was filmed and shown on the Disney channel, but was looking forward to seeing the live version in person.

Firstly I have to say that it was much better for seeing live, as most things are. When the show first came to the UK several years ago, there was a lot of hype surrounding it.

Although the music isn’t generally the type of music I would listen to, I enjoyed the score. I would say that there are a couple of really good songs, which do stick in your mind, but on the whole, it’s not one of those where I travelled home unable to stop singing. The production was amazing, as was the choreography. I was able to hear more clearly the words of the songs than when I watched it on TV.

In my opinion, I think the cast did a great job. I really enjoyed the production and I can understand all the hype when it was first produced. It was great to see something I had not seen before, but it isn’t one I would be rushing back to see.

Only Fools and Horses

I wasn’t really sure what to expect with this one. It was a TV comedy I grew up with and I always found it funny, but wasn’t sure how it would lend itself to being a musical. It was on tour and we saw it at Leeds Grand Theatre.

The show is built around the upcoming wedding of Rodney. There were all the usual jokes, bad French phrases and physical comedy you would expect. The cast were excellent, bringing the characters to life on stage. The singing and music were good. There were no real memorable musical numbers, other than the theme tune, which was used at the beginning and then during scene changes.

All in all it was a really good night. There were lots of laughs out loud moments and great characterisation. It worked really well as an entertaining piece of theatre, appealing to fans of the show.

Calamity Jane

This was one I was really looking forward to. It was a firm favourite with my family when we were young. My children always loved watching the film when they were little and my husband was in the school production when he was younger. The touring production was at Leeds Grand Theatre.

The show was excellent, with everything you would expect from a traditional musical. The ensemble were incredible, playing musical instruments alongside singing, dancing and acting. They put their heart and soul into
all the big musical numbers, with some excellent choreography and great singing.

However, I know this is likely to be an unpopular opinion, but I wasn’t a huge fan of Carrie Hope Fletcher’s portrayal of Calamity. She was good, but there were times, particularly in the first act when I couldn’t hear what she was singing. She also appeared a bit laboured in some of the dance numbers. I know she is seen as a big ticket seller and has a massive following, but I have seen other less well known performers over the years, who could have done a better job.

This did not spoil it though as the whole show was fast paced and left you uplifted and singing your head off on the way home, which is just what you need from a night at the theatre

Happy Birthday To Me

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So last weekend was my birthday . It has actually turned into more of a “birthweek”, as the celebrations seem to have gone on for much more than a day. I can’t believe that it is now two years since I began my blog and celebrated my 50th birthday.

Escape Rooms

I know that Escape Rooms have been around for some time, but I have discovered them only recently. Our daughters bought us tickets for one at Christmas and then we went to one in the Lake District shortly afterwards. They really grab my attention, as I love puzzle solving, it really gets you thinking and it also gets you working as a team.

On the day of my actual birthday, I had to work, but in the evening had arranged to go out for a lovely meal with my husband, brother and sister in law. We then went on to play one of the escape rooms at the Escaporium at The Piece Hall in Halifax. I had chosen the Halogorian, which was based on the history of Halifax. We had a really great night and also escaped with eight minutes to spare. We were pretty pleased with ourselves I have to say!

Brunch at The Ivy

The following day, I had arranged to go for Brunch at The Ivy in Leeds. This wasn’t particularly for my birthday, as it had just been a date when everyone was free. I had been to The Ivy in Harrogate before, which I had really enjoyed and the one in Leeds didn’t disappoint either.

I think that prior to going, I would have said that I am not an Ivy type of person. I would have expected it to be overpriced and pretentious, but in fact it is a really classy restaurant, with lovely food, in a great setting and not too expensive at all.

Kinky Boots

The next event was to go and see Kinky Boots at Leeds Grand Theatre. I had heard the soundtrack on a number of occasions and it certainly sounded upbeat. I knew the basics of the story, as I had seen the original film several years ago. It is about a traditional shoe factory which is struggling to stay in business, but the owner meets a drag queen and discovers a niche market making boots with heels for drag queens.

The show was absolutely amazing! The singing blew me away, the songs veered from uplifting full song and dance numbers to full on emotional ballads. The dancing was so impressive, particularly from the “Angels” who danced expertly in high heels. The story teaches us a lot about accepting people for who they are, not assuming things about people and getting to know people and what makes them tick.

The whole show left me feeling completely elated and I wanted to dance and sing all the way home (and at work for the whole day after)

A Sunny Easter Holiday

You would think that all that would have been enough, but the week following my birthday was the Easter weekend. It was an absolutely beautiful weekend, with the sun shining and hardly a cloud in the sky.

On good Friday I spent a couple of hours helping at messy church, which was held outside thanks to the beautiful weather. The families that came had a great time and it was lovely to see them enjoying the sunshine and learning about Easter.

Over the rest of the weekend, we had a craft fair, spent some time sitting out in the garden with family (drinking slightly too much prosecco) and walking in the Yorkshire Dales on Easter Monday.

All in all I had a great birthday, on the day itself and for all of the following week. When people tell me that birthdays are just for children and that you get too old to celebrate them, I have to disagree. Birthdays are there for celebrating and enjoying, despite your age!