The Sound of Music national Tour 2015. Review of show at Milton Keynes Theatre on 27 May 2015.

Where do I start with a review of the sound of music?  Who hasn’t seen this film and adored it?  It is a part of my childhood, and even as an adult there is video footage of my sister and me singing ‘so long, farewell’.  (Which will never see the likes of YouTube!).  I have never seen it on stage before and was interested to see how it works.

Well the first thing to say about this show is the sets.  Whoever designed the sets is very very talented.  They are really amazing and you realise this within the first 10 minutes of the opening scene.  The songs are not in an expected order.  I did not expect ‘favourite things’ to be sung with Maria and the Mother Superior nor did I expect Do-Re-Mi to be the first number with the children.  The lonely Goatherd was sung during the storm which again I didn’t expect but I still really enjoyed the performances.

The children are involved throughout the whole of the show and were really the stars of the future.  Absolutely outstanding performances with their acting and singing.  Liesl (played by Grace Chapman) was especially outstanding for me.  She completely captured the innocence of that difficult 16, going on 17 age.  I enjoyed her performance very much.  I also enjoyed the performances of Max Detweiler (played by Howard Samuels) and Frau Schraeder (played by Sarah Soetaert).  They gave some light entertainment and humour and also sang two songs that are not in the film.  Sarah especially impressed me with every mannerism and movement fitting the character.  Absolutely fabulous performance!  Mother Superior played by Jan Hartley also needs a mention as do all of the nuns. Absolutely terrific.

This showing offered us Lynden Edwards as Captain von Trapp.  He seemed a bit nervous at first but soon settled down into the role.  And of course, how do I talk about Maria who is played by Danielle Hope.  She is well known for winning the Over the rainbow show to find a star for Dorothy.  Danielle is a natural onstage and her acting is superb.  I did feel a little sorry for her having to wear such a dreadful wig (which makes her look like Jane Horrock’s from Little Voice) but she made Maria her own so much we almost forgot about the wig.

I was singing along to all the songs we know and love – this is a joyous musical and a good time is guaranteed.

Tomorrow land – A world beyond anything I could imagine!

Let it be known I am a dreamer.  I love Disney cause it takes you to another world.  As a child I was often told off in class cause I was such a dreamer with imagination.

Many films that try to deliver a future world are a disappointment.  This is different.  This is a gem of a film. This film will inspire.  This film will give a new generation hope.  This film will give those of us a bit older than that the spark of dreaming that is knocked out of you as an adult.

This film made me feel like I was 12 years old again and that anything is possible.  That my wildest dreams are my future.  Remember your dreams?  Before the reality of being a grownup sets in? Well this film works in so many ways…I really believe in it.

The story starts with a young boy called Frank who is a dreamer.  He wants to win an invention competition but gets more than he bargained for when he is given a pin (or badge as we say in the UK).   The pin is a way to a new world.  Tomorrow land.  It is every bit as exciting as you would imagine it to be. Especially for Frank, the dreamer.

Then we meet Casey.  A bright teenager who is an optimist.  How can we fix the world?  It’s a good and valid question but one that her teachers don’t seem to want to answer.

If you wanted adventure in your life – this film is a roller coaster of adventure.  Casey finds a pin and realises what it offers.  A glimpse of another world.  Another future.  She goes in search of another pin and finds a sci-fi shop. I like this shop.  Any geek would. It is full of star wars memorabilia (is this because Disney own the new Star Wars franchise? ) The woman has her hair like Princess Leia and there is R2D2 and Han Solo frozen from The Empire Strikes back. (I really want one of those in my hallway!)  Athena saves Casey from the shop and drops her off at Frank’s house.  I love Frank’s house.  This should be a ride at Disney cause it is just amazing.  Who would think that sitting in the bath would be an escape route from robots!

Frank is played by George Clooney and I can say this is the best part he has had since Doug in ER! You can keep The Descendants and Burn After Reading – this is my kind of film and I enjoyed his role.  Hugh Laurie (another doctor actor) plays Nix. I am not sure if he is an intentional baddie or just misguided, but he does it very well.  The girls hold the film together. Both Casey, played by Britt Robertson and Athena played by Raffey Cassidy have charisma on the screen and make you want to watch them. This really is girl power in action.

Basically the film is about saving the world.  Of course it is.  But we know it’s gonna have a happy ending.  Why? Well one – It’s a Disney film. And two – Frank and Casey are talking at the beginning of the film to introduce it.

I am an optimist.  I am a dreamer.  I loved this film with all that I am and if you still have a spark of that dreamer spirit left in you…then like me you are waiting for your pin to be delivered any day now…

 

Not from me - but Ange Chan's feelings on the election result

The General Election results are clear
"The Tories will govern for five more years"
I personally feel utter devastation
And fear for the future of our great nation
Their party promise was twelve billion to slash
No thought for the nation's welfare, when asked
Public services cut to the core
You can't take nothing from nothing no more
An increase in fracking and ruining our land
More food banks for living fist to hand
More 'jobs for the boys' in financial quarters
More hardworking families lives are slaughtered
Poverty will increase, and riots will follow
I fear for our youth and all their tomorrows
Cash for peerage and zero hours
Whilst the NHS declines like milk that sours
Nurses, Firemen, Teachers, Police
Will continue the threat of being fleeced
Advantage taken of their chosen vocation
Whilst they toil and sacrifice for the good of the nation
Failure to curb the banking excess
We're facing a future of pure bleakness
Inequality rising 'tween rich and poor
We can't take this rubbish any more!
Protecting paedophiles without a thought
Armed forces left with no support
Pension retirement age has risen
Working for longer is now a given
Royal Mail sold and other assets
Just PFI in another facet
Voter apathy spoilt our chance
And now we'll be led a merry old dance
Our nation is already on its knees
Five more years? Do me a favour! Please!

If you like this, Ange has already two books out and her first novel is due out any day.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Perceptions-Ange-Chan/dp/1502312921/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1431079934&sr=8-2&keywords=ange+chan

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Observations-Poetry-Collection-Ange-Chan/dp/1499659814/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1431079934&sr=8-1&keywords=ange+chan

It cannot be true. Who voted Tory?

I was always taught not to discuss religion and politics.  It was to avoid heated debates or even arguments as people have strong feelings on these subjects.  However I have woken up this morning to the news that the conservatives have a majority and will be in power for another five years. I cannot just sit here and not speak up anymore.

This is the first election in my life that I have actively promoted voting for anyone who would help to get the Tories out and especially Labour as it seemed the only real option in England.  And Labour was the only party to actually knock on my door and spend time discussing my opinion of the issues.

Don’t get me wrong; I totally respect the democratic system and the fact people can choose to vote for which they think will benefit the country the most.  But looking at the evidence, how can those who voted Tory really understand what they have voted for?

I have worked in the charity sector since 2002.  So I have seen how charities function under both Labour and Conservative governments.  Let me say this loud and clear.  The conservatives have made people’s lives worse.  I have worked with those with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, Mental Health issues, visual and sensory impairments, long term illnesses and terminal illnesses.  I have personally seen and heard the stories of how people are truly suffering under the coalition. Some were so desperate they were on the phone to us for hours, crying and not knowing where to turn.  No wonder some chose to take their own lives. It is a heart-breaking situation.

Two of the charities I have worked for have folded recently under the coalition.  This is due to a lack of funds – and not because the work is not required.  With the social services departments under more pressure than ever and unable to provide the correct level of support, the vulnerable in our society really do need a voice.  I have always felt strongly about everyone needing an advocate now and again and working in this field has given me a real sense of job satisfaction.  The reason I think there are a lack of funds for charities are complex but a few suggestions are as follows:

·         The Big Society – yes remember that?  How people were going to give their time for free to help others?  Well all those volunteers need training, guidance and sometimes a DBS check (that used to be a CRB).  Volunteers do need managing.  We do not want to go back to the 1970s where no one was checked and we leave the vulnerable open to abuse.

·         Children in Need / Lottery – these are charities but exactly what do they do?  They get your money off you very easily because they are big and promoted on national TV.  But they don’t deliver any services other than distributing your money.  So now all those small local charities that used to get your money do not get it.  They struggle to shout about the good work they are doing.  And most cannot afford a professional fundraiser.  So the big charities get bigger and the small charities fold.

·         Austerity – yes people are poorer. People struggle to eat.  Struggle to buy their kids new shoes.  People are struggling.  So we cannot expect them to give to charity when they cannot afford to eat.  The British are some of the most generous people in the world for giving to charity but if they can’t afford to do it – who will?

I have personally been made redundant twice in the last two years.  Working in the charity sector means there is always a lack of money.  The money has to work twice as hard to make a difference.  I still feel passionately about helping others, but even I have to pay my mortgage.  I will take a job wherever I can get one – but my heart lies in the charity sector.  If you are a charity who needs an experienced and passionate volunteer manager – contact me!

But this blog is not about my asking for a job.  It is about those who need our support and compassion.  The conservative party lack compassion and really only care about the rich getting richer.  They are happy to watch people live on the streets as they cannot afford their mortgage or high private rents.  They are happy to take benefits off of those who cannot work to the point of starvation.  They are happy to watch people go to food banks.  Is this a Britain to be proud of?  Is this Great Britain?  It’s not great at all!

And finally when you thought things couldn’t get worse, Katie Hopkins will not be leaving the country as Labour didn’t win the election.  She is a good example of what is really wrong with the attitude of those who voted for the conservatives.

Today is a day that I am truly disappointed in those who chose not to vote.  Anyone who says ‘one vote won’t make any difference’ are so wrong.  We need change.  We need everyone to help us make this country a place where people want to live.  A place to be proud of.  A Great Britain.

Who is your favourite hero from the Avengers team? Avengers - Age of Ultron review

So who is your favourite hero from the Avengers team?

Is it Iron man who has all the gadgets and is rich and clever to boot.  (not unlike Batman!).  Or is it The Hulk who is sensitive but can be strong when needed.  We have Thor – a god from another dimension with a big hammer.  That must impress you surely? Or do you prefer Captain America – a real man with enhanced Strength.  There is also the Black Widow –  A deadly and beautiful assassin and of course Hawkeye, who is fast and accurate with his arrow.

Luckily you don’t need to choose when watching an Avengers movie as they all feature.  Personally I have always had a thing for Robert Downey Jr (who is on my list – hope he is reading this!).  But I can’t say I am not attracted to Thor.  I don’t like men with long hair.  I don’t go for blondes. But he is so polite and lets be honest – has more than his fair share of testosterone.  The Hulk – well I don’t know what it is but in several interviews I have found myself more and more attracted to Mark Ruffalo – no real idea why other than he has a winning personality.  Captain America – well to be honest I don’t like this superhero.  It too …erm…American. It says look at how wonderful America is. That doesn’t translate well to the UK.  But Chris Evans is very easy on the eye.  Jeremy Renner is traditionally what I would go for in looks but as a superhero he just doesn’t do it for me.  And that leaves the stunning Scarlett Johansson who most men and women would find attractive, but I also love her for her sassiness and confidence.

That probably doesn’t help you at all with your own decision about who is your favourite superhero, but let me tell you this about the new film.

It’s about AI. No not Al but AI – Artificial Intelligence.  It has two new people with extraordinary powers being introduced in this film.  The story is predictable but at least you can follow it.  So all good so far.  Hawkeye is featured a lot more in this movie and the love interest between The Hulk and Black Widow gets interesting.

In theory this film should have it all. So what was it about the film that I wasn’t convinced about?  Well what exactly was in the mission in the opening scene and what were they after?  What was that big metal looking dinosaur?  Why did they have Loki’s Scepter?  What is actually inside the Scepter?

I love a film about AI.  It excites me.  It could happen.  Okay not today, but its almost our touchable future. I like Ultron.  I know I shouldn’t but I do.  I didn’t understand why he wanted humans to ‘evolve’ or die. It never really made sense to me.  Why didn’t Jarvis have a bigger influence on Ultron?  I felt the film never really answered all my questions.  If you haven’t seen the film yet I sound like I’m rambling, but once you have seen it you may well ask the same questions.

So go and see the film.  And enjoy the action.  Try not to think too much about the storyline.

 

 

 

Heaven 17 play to win at the Jazz Cafe

It’s been a while since I have been to a gig.  I have been poorly and actually had to cancel going to a gig in December.  So to say that I was looking forward to seeing Heaven 17 at the Jazz Café is an understatement.  I hadn’t gone to the Jazz Café last year and really regretted it as they play tracks that you wouldn’t hear at any other gig.  This year we had booked tickets for the Saturday night.  We decided to go posh and book a table so see the band and have a meal.  I was upstairs with the penthouse, not downstairs with the mob!

The Jazz Café is in the heart of Camden.  I love Camden. It’s my spiritual home.  It’s not quite what it used to be, it has become very commercial and touristy.  Pose with a punk for a pound anyone? No? But it still is one of the last places to go to find unique and unusual finds.  Kings Road and Carnaby Street have both lost their uniqueness, so for me Camden is still desperately clinging onto what it once was, fighting the corporate brands.  Why is there a ‘GAP’ in Camden? GAP screams of corporate and conservative clothing.  Camden should be about celebrating diversity and individuality.  And I was very happy to be back there.  We headed to our usual small café for a drink – and who should I bump into? But my German Heaven 17 friend, Thomas and his friends from Frankfurt.  It’s a very small world in the Heaven 17 world.

We headed into the Jazz Café for the sound check and bumped into Martyn outside. (As you do).  It’s lovely to see familiar faces who share a genuine love of Martyn’s and Glenn’s music.  I had not been into the Jazz Café before; it was a very small venue.  I just knew this was going to be a special night. I love intimate venues that make you feel it’s a performance just for you.  I have outgrown huge fields, surrounded by drunken people and portaloos.  This was much more my style. 

Suddenly there was a big bang and something blew.  Although we had lights – something bad had happened to the soundboard.  (Don’t ask me what – I’m not technical).  So sound check was delayed while technical types tried to fix it.  Glenn joked that it might be an acoustic set tonight and started to strum ‘Ziggy Stardust’ on his guitar.  Glenn and Martyn seemed unfazed and very professional about the whole situation.  It got to 45 minutes before the doors were due to open before they could test the sound levels for the gig.

We were asked to leave and come in again so that we could be ‘counted’ and as I went outside of the venue, who should I bump into but more of my Heaven 17 family.  We were only outside for a few minutes when we were back inside again.

I headed upstairs and met more Heaven 17 fans.  This really was a gathering of people who genuinely love Heaven 17.  I was told by someone that they think I am Heaven 17’s number one fan.  But I cannot say that as that honour goes to Steve, also known as Sumo, who goes to every single Heaven 17 gig and has done for many years.  But I still took it as a compliment.  It is true that I love Heaven 17.  Ever since (We don’t need this) Fascist Groove Thang I have loved them.  If I have to explain it, then you just don’t get it. But some of you reading this will know and understand.  I love the lyrics – they are meaningful and tell a story. (Example: Let’s all make a bomb).  I love the tunes – clear upbeat synths, which is especially obvious at the start of Geisha Boys and Temple Girls.  And I love the relationship between Glenn and Martyn.  Their friendship and warmth is very apparent on stage and it really makes them great to see live.

So back to Saturday night, we started to get excited as the lights went down and the black hit of space sounded in our ears.  Glenn told us that tonight’s show was being recorded, so we can all buy a copy of this and know we were a part of a very special night.

The fab songs continued with a mixture of songs from different albums.  One of my personal favourites of the night was ‘I’m gonna make you fall in love with me’.  I am also always happy to hear ‘A Crow and a Baby’.  The lyrics make me laugh (mushrooms growing from your back) and I will get shot down for saying so but I always preferred it to being boiled.  Glenn said he had no idea what it was about.  Martyn told him the crow and the baby was a metaphor. Glenn said thanks – that make it so much clearer!

The show was a long set and us lucky fans were given a fantastic range of songs of Heaven 17, early Human League and the odd Bowie.  Glenn does such justice to Boys Keep Swinging.  I am a huge Bowie fan and would normally avoid any Bowie covers, but Glenn and Martyn are also huge Bowie fans and giving it the Heaven 17 treatment, it is just perfect.  Of course if you want more of this you can see Glenn sing more Bowie in the upcoming Holy Holy gigs this June.

The set list was designed to be different from Friday’s set list.  I had been gutted to know that ‘Sunset Now’, ‘Contenders’ and ‘And that’s no lie’ was played yesterday so alas was not on the set list for Saturday.  However, this taught me a valuable lesson.  Next year I’m booking both nights!

Set List:

The black hit of space

I’m your money

FGT

Pray

Let’s all make a bomb

Geisha Boys

I don’t depend on you

Play to win

Height of the fighting

Illumination

Come live with me

We live so fast

A crow and a baby

Loving feeling

IGMYFILWM

Crushed by the wheels

Let me go

P&P

Temptation

Encore:

Marianne

Boys Keep Swinging

Being Boiled

 And word or two on how club nights have changed….

After the gig had finished, we hung out at the upstairs bar chatting to Heaven 17 and waiting for the 80s vs 90s disco to start.  Now this is where I had a watershed moment once the disco started.  I realised that the majority of people there were an average age of 21.  And some were dressed up in fancy dress clothes.  Not in a kind homage way – more a taking the mickey way.  I saw a queen of hearts and mad hatter, Mario and a mushroom and a 90s boy with baseball cap flipped up and tracksuit.  Now you know I love Only After Dark night club.  Yes it’s a club and I love dressing up there.  But this felt different and I felt like a fish out of water.  These people weren’t even born when the 80s music was around.  It is time to retire from ever thinking I would want to club again.  Thank goodness for OAD. My music. My genre. My peer group.  And I love it there. Long may it reign!

 

 

 

 

The Producers. Milton Keynes Theatre.

I know nothing about this musical except there might be Nazis in it and it was written by Mel Brooks.  I figured that if a Jew wrote it – it cant be offensive so I thought I'd give it a go.  After all, what else is there to do on a Monday night in Milton Keynes?

 Reasons to see this:

1.     Humour

From the first scene I knew it was going to be funny.  I loved the cast singing about how bad a show was. Great characters and a brilliantly written script.  Good start!

 2.    Costume changes

What I began to notice is every number was a big production number.  I did not count the amount of costume changes but there must have been a lot. I loved it.  This was a show that really gave you everything.  Even women in pink sparkly costumes coming out of filing cabinets!

3.    This show has a real story.

It’s a story about two producers who realise that they can make more money from a Broadway flop than from a success.  Now that’s an interesting story.  And it felt like there was some truth to it too.

 

4. The scenes were fantastic.

I loved the outfits, the character definition.  The songs were so strong.  Each song was a massive production number in its own right.  Every scene had been thought through and was executed brilliantly.

5.    You won’t all get this but one of the funniest bits was when Cory English accidentally sat on his horn.  I don’t think he hurt himself badly but said to the audience that he won’t be doing that again.  Apparently having the horn hurts.

     6.    Cast

The cast were amazing.  They all were brilliant actors, singers and dancers.  There was no weak link in this casting performance.  I have mentioned a few below.

 

Gayer than frank

David Badella is wonderful. I am a big fan of his work.  I have seen him in Jerry Springer the Opera, The Rocky Horror Show and more recently in Peter Pan.  But nothing – NOTHING – had prepared me for him in a dress and being more camp than Franknfurter from Rocky! And to top it all he had Louie Spence by his side!  This show makes Pricilla Queen of the Desert feel butch!  David is so very talented.  He can sing.  He can dance.  He can act.  And boy can he camp it up!  He looked amazing in his dress!  His first number is ‘Keep it Gay’ and boy do they stick to the script.  Louie also deserves a mention – he makes us all laugh as he kicks his legs and steals every scene.

 Is Phil German?

Phil Jupitus plays Franz Liebkind, who is an old German Nazi.  He was – well Phil.  I thought he did a sterling job and made the role his own.  I wonder if he really likes pigeons?  I bet a few have gone missing from the show. ;)

 Jason can sing!

Jason Manford is one of the producers.  Forgive me Jason, but I had no idea of how great your voice is.  I was really really impressed.  I saw you Monday night and watched you on Ordinary Lies on Tuesday night.  What am I going to do on Wednesday?

 

Swedish?

The love interest was played by Tiffany Graves. That girl was cartwheeling across the stage.  And has a body I am envious of.  She played the ‘dumb blonde’ to perfection.  Endearing and charming.

 

Corrr its Cory!

The star of the show was Cory English who played Max Bialystock.  He was in almost every scene and was funny, could sing dance and had a presence on the stage that you just loved.  He was truly loveable. And gave an outstanding performance.  You might not know his name initially but I will now never forget him.

Forget what are you going to do on a Monday night. We should be doing this every night!