Squeeze – You can take me - I’m yours

Cradle to Grave Tour.  29.09.15 at Milton Keynes Theatre.

Do you remember how a crush affects you? It hits you suddenly and with such a force that you are breathless. Well last night – that’s how I felt about Squeeze.  To be honest, I didn’t know much of their back catalogue, but for some reasons unbeknown to me I owned a copy of labelled with love which I knew all the words to – and let me tell you this was no mean feat before the days of internet, where you either had to listen to a song repetitively to learn it (and sometimes still sing the wrong words) or hope Smash Hits would print them for you.  Labelled with love has turned into a song I sing a lot and there is a famous video of me in 1999 singing it which will not see the likes of YouTube, but suffice to say I give it my all.  Last night Squeeze progressed from ‘an old but good friend’ status to a full blown love affair.

The evening started with John Cooper Clarke who is a poet.  I couldn’t believe people in the audience hadn’t heard of him – but I was familiar with his work.  He was very funny, telling jokes in-between the poems.  I would say his style is a frustrated punk/aggressive poet. He easily won over the audience and despite his swearing comes across as a lovely guy.  (Sorry John but you do).

Then came the main event.  To be honest I am a lyrics person and love singing along so was a bit worried I wouldn’t know many songs.  Actually I shouldn’t have worried.  I knew far more songs than I had given myself credit for.  And those I didn’t know were from the new album which is officially released this week.

Classics such as ‘Is that love?’, ‘Goodbye Girl’, ‘Pulling Mussels from a shell’ and ‘Up the Junction’ were mixed with new tracks such as ‘Happy Days’, ‘Only fifteen’ and ‘Cradle to the Grave’.  Of course when they played Labelled with Love I sang it very loud, I still knew every word.

So what made me fall in love with Squeeze?  Just like a love of anything, it’s a combination of things. They were very professional so it was really good value for money no matter how much you paid for your ticket.  They played a range of instruments that I don’t think I’ve ever seen on one stage before.  This included accordion, ukulele, double bass, mandolin and some instruments that I don’t even know the name of.  This was in addition to 12 string guitars, electric guitars, electric acoustic, bass and of course Glenn Tilbrook’s black battered electric which looks like it’s seen better days –but boy did he play the shit out of that thing!  At one point I thought his guitar playing was so awesome that I would describe him as a ‘folk Hendrix’.  And his voice IS Squeeze.  It’s so recognisable.  Chris Difford has a different style.  He is very warm to the audience and interacts with them.  He also sings and plays guitar and you will recognise his vocals from tracks such as Cool for Cats.

Many of you may think that Squeeze is purely Difford and Tilbrook.  But let me tell you that every member of that band deserves a mention as they are all amazing musicians in their own right.  Lucy Shaw is on bass.  It’s fantastic to see a girl on bass but not just bass as she pulls out a double bass when you were least expecting it.  Stephen Large (known as the cool one) is keyboards.  But again not just keyboards – anything with some black and white keys he can pick up and play.  And where does a drummer sit?  At the back but what a drummer he is!  Simon Hanson has such a presence – it’s never about sitting quietly with a drummer.  You will easily recognise him as he looks a bit like Bruce Willis (Tell me I’m wrong!), Although Simon would much prefer to be compared to be Brad Pitt. Finally Melvin Duffy plays ‘steel guitar’. (Yes I had to look that up).  He is obviously having a great time and smiles such a lot while on stage.  All of them together make up Squeeze and have worked together to make an incredible new album which deserves the recognition and praise it is currently receiving.

They played a couple of tracks I particularly want to mention.  ‘Black coffee in bed’ is a track where they announced they had a special guest.  I couldn’t think who it could be.  And then they announce it’s Paul Young.  Well my heart nearly stopped beating - what an amazing collaboration.  And during Slap & Tickle all the band members came to the front of the stage and had a ‘play off’ of their instruments.  It was an amazing moment.  They all looked like they were having a good time so when Chris told me to stand up and dance, I did.  It took a couple more hints before the rest of the audience joined me but eventually everyone was on their feet dancing.

I met the band afterwards and they are all just as lovely in real life as they seem on stage.  They had noticed my dancing – See its worth making the effort!

If you haven’t already, you should all go and buy the new album Cradle to the Grave and if possible get a ticket to see a gig (they are touring until 24 October).  I almost feel ashamed to say I don’t know their entire back catalogue but I’m going out to buy it all now!

You cannot escape Squeeze.  Cradle to the Grave is a new show on BBC2 comedically documenting the life of a young Danny Baker.  Not only did Squeeze do the theme tune but also other tracks such as Only Fifteen.  And their new single ‘Happy Days’ is being played on national radio.  So do what I did.  Give in to it and fall head over heels in love with Squeeze.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels - The Musical

My review of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is now online on the About Milton Keynes website: http://aboutmiltonkeynes.co.uk/dirty-rotten-scoundrels-milton-keynes-theatre-review-2/

The Importance of Being Earnest

This review originally featured on the 'About Milton Keynes' website:

The Importance of Being Earnest.

Milton Keynes Theatre.

Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest was first performed in 1895 and is still making audiences laugh today with its wit and dry humour.  The play is a classic and one of Oscar Wilde’s best works with its rather complicated storyline.  This version has been sprinkled with a modern twist and has a sublime script.  How often do you see Nigel Havers in bright red Nike trainers on his mobile phone?  This particular show starts with a group of people deciding to put on a performance of ‘The Importance’ so some in-house theatrical humour has been added.  For example there are comments about when should cucumber sandwiches be available for a dress rehearsal and a discussion about if Algernon should add a wink.  But the ‘director’ wants ‘More Oscar less Panto’.  It’s defiantly a new way of performing the show and the modern twist gives it definition to when they are ‘performing’.  Also, I’m quite sure the 50 shades reference was not included in Wilde’s original work. (Add wink here, Mr Director).

The ‘Importance’ storyline starts with Algernon Moncrieff meeting his friend John Worthing who Algie knows as Earnest.  Algernon is played by Nigel Havers and he is totally charming in the role.  He gives the lovable rogue his own touch and you can’t help but like him.  There is even a comment in the script about his good hair!  Martin Jarvis plays John/Jack/Earnest and is absolutely fantastic.  His diction and delivery of the role is exquisite and as he and Nigel are on stage for most of the play, they hold the show together.

Earnest is in love with Gwendolen, Algie’s cousin and when Algie asks about the inscription in his cigarette case,  Earnest admits he is living a double life. In the country he is known as John (or Jack, his nickname) to look after his ward, Cecily. In the city he is known as Earnest.  Gwendolen and her mother, Lady Bracknell then calls on Algernon and he distracts Lady Bracknell while Jack proposes to Gwendolen.  She accepts but makes it clear she could only love someone with the name, Earnest.  Lady Bracknell is played by Sian Phillips and although she isn’t on the stage for much of the show, she gives such a presence that you are left wanting more.  Sian is outstanding as Lady Bracknell and gets some of the best lines such as:

·         “To lose one parent, Mr. Worthing, may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness.”

·         “I have always been of the opinion that a man who desires to get married should know either everything or nothing. Which do you know?”

·         “To speak frankly, I am not in favor of long engagements. They give people the opportunity of finding out each other’s character before marriage, which I think is never advisable.”

·         “You are perfectly right in making some slight alteration. Indeed, no woman should ever be quite accurate about her age. Thirty-five is a very attractive age. London society is full of women of the very highest birth who have, of their own free choice, remained thirty-five for years.”

The next scene finds us in the country with Cecily, Jacks ward, who is studying in the garden with Miss Prisim, her Governess.  Algie turns up at the country house pretending to be Earnest, Jack’s brother.  Algie and Cecily fall for each other and it turns out Cecily also has a huge affection for the name Earnest.  Jack then returns to the house, pretending to have killed off Earnest.  Then Gwen turns up and in the absence of the two men she meets Cecily who while they decide to be friends then confide in each other they are both engaged to Earnest.  Cecily is played by Christine Kavanagh and Gwendolen is played by Carmen Du Sautoy. This scene is a perfect opportunity for these two wonderful actresses to show their skills as they are both not happy about the other being engaged to Earnest.

This show has a stellar cast full of veteran actors who give a fantastic performance.  It is such an enjoyable play that it is of no importance if you know the show well or have never seen it before.  All that matters is that "I've now realised for the first time in my life the vital importance of being Earnest."

Shrek The Musical

This review originally featured on the 'About Milton Keynes' website.

Shrek
Milton Keynes Theatre

Once upon a time there was a princess called Jasmine Storm and she wished with all her heart that Shrek, the musical, would meet her expectations.  And her dreams came true and she lived happily ever after.

If you could look at the seven year old inside of you, they would want to see this show.  Every child and if they are honest, every adult will enjoy this show as it has something for everyone.  But it works best if you remember that seven year old – then it is magical.  The show is set around the story of the first Shrek film and starts with a ‘once upon a time’ from a book and the characters step out of the book.  The seven year old inside me gasped. This really is magical!

Dean Chisnall plays Shrek and this is a tough part. Shrek is in almost every scene and to speak and sing with a Scottish accent cannot be easy (unless you are from Scotland of course).  He performs this role perfectly as if he just stepped out from the film.

Princess Fiona is a sassy princess played by Bronte Barbe and she gives a great balance about being a modern day princess – day to day boredom of being locked in a tower against the romantic backdrop of being rescued.  Everyone knows that a princess waits for a prince to rescue her – but during the song ‘I know it’s today’ you can see she is getting a bit frustrated with the waiting.  This is a fabulous song and features Princess Fiona at three different ages.  There is a scene in the second act where she helps the pied piper and does a tap dance with rats.  Is there no limit to her talents? It is a great all round performance by Barbe.

Every fairy-tale needs a baddie and Lord Farquaad fits the bill in Shrek.  He is also very very funny. Played by Gerard Carey, he gives such a funny performance that the whole audience was in stitches. His performance was in places reminiscent of Frank n’ Further from The Rocky Horror Show but whatever F he is playing, it works.  There are lots of jokes about his height and the chorography has been tailored to make this even funnier.  A brilliant performance.

Donkey is known for being a funny character and gets some great one-liners such as ‘I’m a GPS with fur’ when telling Shrek about directions to Duloc.  His first scene with the Dragon is another moment where the seven year old inside me gasped.  The dragon is played with puppets but is so big it is breath-taking as was the dragon’s voice when she sang. It was stunning.

The cast does not hold any household names that are instantly recognisable, but actually that is a benefit as it means the cast have been chosen for their talents alone and that is what is evident throughout this show.  Each character is perfectly defined and obvious as to whom they are supposed to be.  Pinocchio has the perfect voice to match his personality and his nose actually does get bigger!  There is also the Ugly Duckling, Peter Pan, The Big Bad Wolf and the three little (or not so little cause they are fat) pigs.  And of course The Gingerbread Man, well he knows the muffin man…yes the muffin man! It’s all your childhood fairy-tales in one.  And if you know them it is even more fun…The Three Bears (from Goldilocks) are told to stand near Pinocchio.  Too close.  Too far.  Just right.  It’s these touches that give the show its magic.

The songs are all original and written especially for the show.  A favourite is ‘Let your freak flag fly’ which gives all the fairy-tale characters a chance to perform individually.  It’s also a song with a moral and that moral is - be proud of who you are and don’t let others pull you down.  Every fairy tale needs a moral at the heart of its story.  And it’s the small details that made this show extra special.  It’s the nod to The Lion King, the Les Mis flag, ‘The Donkees’ on the drum kit (as a reference to The Monkees who originally sang I’m a believer).  It’s like someone has sprinkled magic fairy dust on the show.

This show has feel good all over it and it’s one of those rare opportunities to get the whole family together to share something away from online gaming and daily stresses.  Just to be sure it’s is suitable for all ages – I took the harshest critic I could find – my 18 year old.  And yes he loved it proving it is truly suitable for all ages – even that difficult teenager age.

Shrek is currently playing at Milton Keynes Theatre until 6 September so there is still plenty of time to stand up and say ‘I’m a believer’.   

Jersey Boys. Forget 'Oh, what a night' - Oh, what a show!!!

London 18.08.15 Matinee

My dad and I do not often get the chance to spend some quality time together but today we spent the day together. What did we do? Well we had a nice lunch and chatted about life…and then went to see the Jersey Boys.

The Jersey Boys is a show based on the life of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. The woman sitting behind me thought the name of the group was the Jersey Boys and kept asking who these Four Seasons were! Of course the Jersey Boys refer to where in the USA they came from.

The show started with a French rap version of ‘Oh, What a night’. To be honest, although it had lots of energy, it was a bit lost on the audience and could easily be cut from the show. The average age of the audience was over 50 and no one knew about this rap version – plus it was a French hit not a UK hit.

However we soon get into the show and it starts with a very early Frankie being pulled onto stage. Michael Watson who plays Frankie not only sounds so much like Frankie Valli that if you closed your eyes you would think it was him, but is also the correct height (there are references in the show to how short Frankie was) – I personally thought that Michael looked a bit like a young Tom Cruise. He also had a great ‘Jerrrsaay’ accent. But hold on…this is a show about four guys who formed a group – which had several names before settling on the Four Seasons. Frankie didn’t want to be a front man. It was a group effort. Bob Gaudio was played by Edd Post (Bob wrote a lot of the songs). Nick Massi was played by Gary Watson and the fourth member of the band was Tommy Devito who was played by Jon Boydon. All four are key in telling the story and work so well together they seem like they are best friends off stage too!

The show takes us through the various incarnations of the band and how they got to be famous. It tries to give us an idea of how rough it was in New Jersey but unless you lived there that would be quite hard to really grasp. It covers the highs and lows of the band members…this show is an emotional rollercoaster!

The show is full of energy and it’s almost every two minutes that there is a song or a set change – chairs and tables are constantly being put on and off the stage. There are clever changes of clothes – and you really get to know the characters and love them.

This show is not just a huge feel good show – it’s educational. After the first half I had already heard all the Frankie Valli songs I thought I knew so didn’t know what the second half would offer. How wrong I was! Bye Bye Baby was a Frankie Valli song. (Yes I knew it by the Bay City Rollers!) And the biggest shocker was ‘Can’t take my eyes off of you’ which was my wedding song. I knew Andy Williams had recorded it and my husband and I knew it better by Boystown gang, but here it was being so beautifully sung by Michael to the point it actually made me cry.

The audience for this matinee performance was one of the best I have ever been in. They were receptive and cheered and clapped so much that at times I thought it might affect the running time of the show. Every cheer and clap was well deserved. And it was not lost on the cast, who waited ‘til it died down before continuing. And the looks on their faces could see they appreciated it. This also helped make this experience one of the best shows I have ever seen.

This show has feel good factor with a big F. It is absolutely Fantastic. Fabulous. Fun. …okay running out of ‘F’s but you get my drift.

I think being in my 40’s I am below the average age of the audience but this show is suitable for all ages – and trust me you will have a great time!

 

 

Reviews for other websites

I have been lucky enough to be asked to write for other websites. Among those, I write local theatre reviews

Here is my latest review, the Elvis musical, Love Me Tender at Milton Keynes Theatre.

This review originally featured on the 'About Milton Keynes' website.

Love Me Tender

Elvis gave us more than 102 singles and 70 albums in his lifetime.  How do you narrow that down to 25 well known Elvis songs for a show?  Well they have as Love Me Tender is a new musical that has given Elvis songs the same treatment as Mamma Mia for Abba and We Will Rock You for Queen.

Set in the 1950’s, it tells the story of a small town in mid-west America that is about to be hit with a huge dose of rock ‘n’ roll.  A stranger comes to town and Natalie, the tomboy mechanic falls for him.  A simple story of love.  And love is the star attraction as almost everyone in the town starts falling in love with each other.  A perfect set to deliver some Elvis magic.

The show stars award-winning singer Mica Paris as local bar owner and there is no doubt that she is the star of the show.  She really does sing Elvis beautifully.  It is a shame she does not get more songs to herself as she really makes Elvis work for her and the audience definitely wanted more.  The show also stars Shaun Williamson, best known for his part as Barry in EastEnders.  He plays Jim, Natalie’s dad and although he might be considered the comedy element in the show, actually Shaun does Elvis proud.  He must secretly be an Elvis fan as he delivers his songs with compassion and affection.

‘Natalie’ is played by Laura Tebbutt and she really gives an excellent all-round performance and has a lovely voice.  Her love interest is the roustabout ‘Chad’, played by Ben Lewis.  He has the tightest jeans I have ever seen and can wiggle his hips in them too.  Not easy when singing and dancing.  All that is missing is a big quiff.  That would have completed the ‘look’ and made it more authentic.

The show opens to Jailhouse Rock and it is a well- choreographed scene.  Be ready for the start of the show as the lights don’t get dimmed straight away so some audience members were still talking with the performers on stage.  In this scene there is also a man on the toilet, which I am sure some members of the audience will find funny but devoted Elvis fans might find this in poor taste considering how The King passed away.

It is described as a musical comedy and there is a lot of humour in the show.  One of the best lines was when Lorraine and Dean are falling in love and she quotes Romeo & Juliet. Another humorous moment is the use of ‘It’s now or never’ each time someone falls in love.

Heartbreak Hotel gives you a good insight into how well all the cast can sing as many individuals get a line to themselves.  It’s a great scene in the bar and really uses the song well.

There are a lot of familiar Elvis songs and quite a few that are not so familiar, but with ‘blue suede shoes, ‘can’t help falling in love with you’, ‘If I can dream’ and ‘burning love’ there is something for everyone.

The show left me feeling I need more Elvis in my life.  

Of all the Holy Holy gigs....

Of all the Holy Holy gigs, this one will stay with me the longest. Because not only is this the last show of the tour…but I got to meet the band.

I was lucky enough to go to the garage gig last September and knew then that Holy Holy were amazing.  I have been shocked lately to hear them called a tribute act.  I strongly dispute this and my reasons are as follows:

1.    They have professional musicians – all been involved with other bands and levels of fame in their own right.

2.    They do not dress up in red wigs and wear an Aladdin sane stripe on their face.

3.    It contains the legendary spider from mars, Woody Woodmansey

4.    It also contains Tony Visconti. Bowie producer extraordinaire.

5.    And of course Glenn Gregory from Heaven 17, who is a self-confessed Bowie fan.

6.    Also featuring a Steve Norman from Spandau Ballet

7.    And of course special guests don’t get much more special (for me) than Marc Almond

I think I have won any argument from the haters now.

So it was finally my turn to see Holy Holy.  Waiting for the last show and seeing everyone’s photos on social media made me even keener to hear it.  I had already bought the album that was recorded last year and had played it and played it in anticipation.

Finally the day arrived but things often don’t go to plan and as it was also my son’s college deadline, his college work needed to be completed first.  I had hoped to leave for London by 1pm but when I asked him how much longer – he just replied ‘soon’ (That typical teenager response!). It drove me mad!  We eventually left at 3pm, got to the hotel and headed off to the pub to grab something to eat.

It took me an hour to order some food as suddenly every friend I knew who was going turned up and we all started chatting.  This is the part of the gig that most band members don’t see. I cannot tell you what a pleasure it is to talk ‘Bowie’ with other like-minded people.  It’s a great family to belong to.

We started queueing an hour before doors opened as I wanted to be right at the front.  Priority O2 seems to mean nothing at this venue as they open all the doors at the same time. It was especially frustrating as the doorman couldn’t get his zapper to work.  But soon I was in place ready.  I stood right at the front and it was not long before we were offered up the first support act.

Philip Rambow gave us a lovely start to the show with a selection of songs with his acoustic guitar.  He got the crowd going and we were all singing away to his song (even if we didn’t know it well).  His easy country style was not what you would expect from a support of a ‘Rock’ band but Phil really did a great job.  This was swiftly followed by Jessica Lee Morgan and Morgan Visconti who together gave us another genre.  Their father is the legendary Tony Visconti so it makes a lot of sense that they both have ended up in the music industry. And both are very talented in their own right.  Morgan has a style that is very electronic and I can see him supporting bands such as ‘New Order’ and ‘Depeche Mode’.  I really enjoyed the graphics that complimented the music.  Jessica is pretty and can sing.  Another big talent.  I thought the two of them together make a good pairing but they do tour separately with their own stuff.

Finally what we had all been waiting for.  Liz Kershaw from 6 Music came in to introduce the band and said how David Bowie had helped save 6 Music as it was the kind of radio station he would listen to.  This got a big roar from the crowd.

The first few bars of ‘Width of a circle’ came on and I had shivers down my spine.  It had me singing along to every track at the top of my voice.  But my 18 year old son was also singing away to every word of every song.  I was impressed.  If you say to people your son likes Bowie, they may assume its commercial Bowie.  ‘The Man Who Sold The World’ album is not the most commercial album and that made me all the prouder.  I have done a great job as a mum and have someone to leave my Bowie collection to when I am no longer here.  It really was a fantastic night.  I cannot put into words how emotional I felt during the performance but there was more than one occasion where there was a tear in my eye.  Every musician looked like they were having a blast and so were the audience.  The only dampener was the overzealous security who wouldn’t let people film any of the performance.  Marc Almond and Steve Norman came on as special guests and gave fantastic performances.  Can I pick a favourite performance?  It’s very hard as I love them all but I have always loved the Medley of ‘Wide eyed boy from Freecloud/All the young dudes/Oh! You pretty things’.  This was done as a duet with Glenn and Marc.  They really gave it their all and I totally loved it.  Oh how I didn’t want the night to end. So we stayed a bit longer and met the band.

I really didn’t think I would be able to say that anything could be better than the gig at The Garage last September, but this show has topped it.  It blew me away and I was back to being a teenage girl singing Bowie in her bedroom.  Who doesn’t want a bit of that nostalgia?  Holy Holy are not only time lords, but they are giving an opportunity for Bowie songs to be seen live to a whole new generation.  My son loved the show as much as I did. And I do need to say a huge thank you to Tom for his generosity at giving my son an album. He was blown away and said 'Mum, this is my first vinyl!'.  It's so special and with the whole band wishing him a happy birthday, I don't think he will ever forget it.  Just don’t know how I am going to top it for his birthday next year!

Photos can be found here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jasminestormie/sets/72157653802976563