Pre Christmas Theatrefest

[Stewart A]

Just got back from London and saw 6 shows - here's my quick ratings,

THE BODYGUARD *****stars - never seen the film but good story, sets, great music and above all outstanding performances by Heather Headley, Debbie Kirkup and Lloyd Owen.

SCROOGE ***stars - thought I'd see something festive. Good performances all round, especially Tommy Steele. Well staged and an easy enough story to watch but sadly not one memorable tune.

SPAMALOT **** stars - great silly fun, although heard some people in the interval saying it was too silly and they weren't enjoying it. Good performances all round with memorable tunes and funny lyrics. Maybe not as funny as I had expected but still good fun and worth seeing.

MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG ***** stars - one of Sondheim's lesser known shows and not revived as often as others. I loved the intimacy of the Menier Chocolate Factory which added to the enjoyment. Good story with a stellar cast and good music. Also thought provoking at times.

ROCK OF AGES ** stars - I knew some of the songs and had heard this show was very funny. The music wasn't really my thing but I guess there were some fun moments but not enough to make it worth seeing in hindsight. A couple of the characters - Lonny and Dennis were the best things in it. I am sure I recognised one of the ushers - a tallish slim guy with long brown hair and a beard - was he in that Superstar programme on ITV or has he been in something else - it's bugging me where I know him from.

PRIVATES ON PARADE *** stars - I guess this was enjoyable enough overall but didn't live up to my expectations after the great reviews. Interesting enough story and good performances, especially Simon Russell Beale camping it up big style.

I got most of the shows discounted so not as pricey as it might sound.

[thatgirlsophie]

The usher you recognised was indeed on Superstar - Jonathan Williams. He's also been Jean Valjean understudy and alternate at Queen's

[Stewart A]

Thanks, I always remember faces but can't always remember where from. I know everyone has to make a living but always think its a shame when talented people can't get acting or singing jobs, especially when people with little talent can get work. Jonathan wouldn't have looked out of place on the stage of Rock Of Ages.

[bob8rich]

Yes, the harsh reality is that many musical theatre performers have to take other jobs when they are "resting". But you will be seeing and hearing a lot of Jonathan Williams in 2013 - and it won't be as an usher! He is a member of the awesome TENORS OF ROCK, who have secured a major recording deal and will be performing a number of live concerts in 2013. http://www.tenorsofrock.com/

Jon was a fantastic Valjean and I've been very privileged to have worked closely with him both in the recording studio and on live concerts/cabarets. You can hear him singing the lead role on the Studio Cast album of Christopher Orton and my musical MY LAND'S SHORE (http://www.mylandsshoremusical.com/) - here's a video of him singing the title song at the Actors' Church, Covent Garden back in February:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNb0uJi5Myc

AND you can hear Jon's brilliant vocals on the recording of the song "Gone" (by Joe Sterling & myself, featuring on the album SOMEWHERE IN MY MIND - THE SONGS OF JOE STERLING):
http://roundaboutthemusical.webs.com/the-story-the-songs

Re. your "theatrefest" - a really interesting programme of shows! I saw Merrily a couple of weeks ago and it was simply stunning. Hoping to see The Bodyguard early next year - mainly for Heather Headley and the amazing Debbie Kurup.

[Stewart A]

Thanks for the info - looks like Jonathan might be one to watch in the future. Hopefully he will be in the theatre programmes next year instead of selling them as he deserves to be.

Glad you enjoyed Merrily - you can't beat a bit of Sondheim. I'm sure you will enjoy The Bodyguard and Heather and Debbie. - two very talented ladies with stunning voices.