Curve Fundraising Ideas.

Hello, I am running the 2013 Great Manchester Run in aid of the Curve Theatre, You may wonder why I'm doing the run for Curve (who are a registered charity), mainly because of their community work, as well as their work on stage. Projects such as the Curve Young Company/Over 55s theatre day, visit the Curve website (http://www.curveonline.co.uk/) for more information on the work they do on stage and off. With this I have set up a JustGiving page (http://www.justgiving.com/greatruncurve) to raise funds, though naturally if you want to give offline, cheque/cash in the post is fine.

Through this, I've had a few fundraising ideas, I'd like people's feedback on them (especially the Curve people if any of the ideas are good?), some may simply not be do-able but just ideas!

• Leaflet to be put around Curve with details off the run and sponsor website on.
• Page Insert To A Programme
• Article in the Leicester Mercury/Website
• Post show collection.
• Radio interview on BBC Radio Leicester
• Continued social media linking to the JustGiving page.

If you can think of any other ideas, or would just like to support the run, then please contact me on any these:

• Twitter @leicestermark
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/leicestermark12
• E-mail - leicester-mark@hotmail.co.uk

The link again for sponsorships -  http://www.justgiving.com/greatruncurve

One last thing, I must thank Fiona Allan and all the Curve people for their support, and everyone else who has RT'd, shared, liked the link on Facebook or Twitter. Please continue to support an amazing theatre to continue their good work, and one last thank you to everyone who sponsors and helps the wonderful theatre.

Shows I Recommend for April...

Decided to do a new blog every month recommending shows for you all to go and see the following month. The first blog will feature shows to see in April.

Piaf - Curve Theatre, Leicester. 3rd to 6th April 

The Curve's production of Piaf, under the direction of Artistic Director Paul Kerryson, was so successful in its original run in the theatre's studio that it has now added extra dates in the main theatre. The show follows the life of French singer Edith Gassion (Piaf), from her career rise through her turbulent life and ultimately to her death. It's not a light fluffy story but it makes a highly entertaining evening. The show is led by the wonderful Frances Ruffelle as Piaf, who acts and sings the part superbly well. This is a show that you must catch as it really is superbly performed by all in the company, especially Frances.

For tickets and more info - click here.
(please note that Thursday 4th April the role will be played by Madalena Alberto) 


Hamlet - Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon. Runs until September 2013

Jonathan Slinger (Hamlet) Photo by Keith Pattison (c) RSC

The Royal Shakespeare Company's new production of Hamlet has just opened in their main theatre, The Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The show is under the direction of David Farr and features Jonathan Slinger in the title role. Shakespeare's revenge play (and his most famous play) is this time set mainly in a church hall and is in modern dress, don't let either of these things put you off, this is a fantastic version of the play. The running time is 3 hours 45 minutes, another thing I must say you shouldn't allow to put you off, as for me the play flowed well and time didn't drag at all.

Jonathan Slinger (Hamlet) Photo by Keith Pattison) (c) RSC

Greg Hicks (Claudius) Photo by Keith Pattison (c) RSC

Jonathan Slinger's take on Hamlet brings out a manic side in the character, you see the madness of his portrayal throughout. His strength and emotions comes out in all the scenes. His performance got a deserved standing ovation from numerous members of the audiences who like me clearly loved his performance. There is also some superb supporting performances from Greg Hicks (Claudius/Ghost), Charlotte Cornwell (Gertrude), Luke Norris (Laertes), Alex Waldmann (Horatio) and in particular Pippa Nixon (Ophelia), her performance brings the tragedy of the characters demise. There is strength throughout the entire company, with the play running till September* (before transferring for a short run in Newcastle).

Pippa Nixon (Ophelia) Photo by Keith Pattison (c) RSC

*the play runs alongside two other productions, As You Like It and All's Well That Ends Well featuring members of the same company in rep. If you're 16-25 you can join the RSC Key Scheme and get £5 tickets to Hamlet and any of the RSC productions in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

For more information and for tickets - click here.


Alfie Boe: Storyteller UK Tour. Until April 14th.

Billed as 'The Nation's Favourite Tenor', Alfie Boe, is currently on a UK tour singing some of his favourite songs and some from his latest album 'Storyteller'. His vocals and his personality come across brilliantly in this fantastic night. Some of the songs he included on his set included 'The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine', 'Angie', 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' and 'Bring Him Home'. You can't fault anything he sings and he has the audience in the palm of his hand for the entire set. His support act for the tour is Emilia Mitaku, who did a 25 minute set, and then came back during Alfie's set for a couple of duets. She was a superb support to the night. If you like this sort of music then you should defiantly check out this tour, if you can get a ticket!

For dates and venues - click here.


The Ladykillers, UK Tour. Leeds and Cardiff (until 13th April)
The touring production of the classic Ealing Comedy has been brought back to life on the stage and has been touring the UK and the tour end is approaching before the play makes a return to the West End. The touring company features Paul Brown (Professor Marcus), Clive Mantle (Major Courtney), Chris McCalphy (One-Round), William Troughton (Harry Robinson), Cliff Parisi (Louis Harvey) and Michele Dotrice (Mrs Wilberforce). It's an evening of fantastic comedy and drama, a night out that you won't be disappointed by.

UK Tour cast of The Ladykillers

The Ladykillers is playing in Salford Lowry Theatre until Saturday 30th March, Leeds Grand Theatre 2nd to 6th April and Cardiff New Theatre 9th to 13th April 2013. For information and tickets - click here.


Catch all 4 of these shows if you can, all I've highly enjoyed. Please give me feedback about the blog if you want, you can catch me on Twitter @leicestermark. The blog for May will be out before the end of April.

Chess The Musical - Union Theatre.

A new production of Chess is currently running at London's Union Theatre and receiving nothing but emphatic praise across the board and rightly so. Though this is the only production (bar the 2008 Albert Hall concert version) of Chess I've seen, but I truly believe that this could be the best production the show has ever had.

The Union Theatre, is a small venue set under a railway arch and holds around 50 people, and though some of the facilities are lacking, especially the male toilets, it's a fantastic place to see a show. I recently saw Steel Pier here and really enjoyed the space, and Chess lends itself superbly. Ryan Dawson Laight (designer), Ben M Rogers (lighting designer) and Ethan Forde (sound design) all deserve massive credit for their parts on the production.

Under the direction of Christopher Howell, Steven Harris and Kieran Brown this non-micro phoned performed performance lets the music and lyrics of Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Tim Rice soar. The band under the musical direction of Simon Lambert are on fine form and they sound superb throughout.

The cast features a fine voiced Nadim Naaman as the Russian, Anatoly Sergievsky. His version of 'Anthem' at the end of Act One is superb. Tim Oxbrow's Frederick Trumper is fantastic, his vocals are outstanding throughout, he plays the emotions of the character well. Natasha J. Barnes brings beauty and another fine voice to her performance as Svetlana, 'Someone Else's Story' and her part in 'I Know Him So Well' are beautifully sung. In fact the entire ensemble are so strong, Gillian Kirkpatrick as Alexandra Molokova, Craig Rhys Barlow as the Arbiter and Natalie McQueen as Angela St. Angelo do have stand out from the group but on a whole it really is an ensemble performance of the highest quality.

The real stand out performance is Sarah Galbraith's as Florance Vassy. She is fast becoming one of my favourite performers, having wowed me in Steel Pier and she is again faultless here. Her vocals are stunning throughout, 'Nobody's Side' and 'I Know Him So Well' are particular highlights.

It really is a 5 star production, and I don't think anywhere in the world right now you'll find a better overall ensemble performance. The run is pretty much sold out, so getting a ticket is pretty much impossible but I hope when the run ends at the Union in March that someone picks it up and transfers, it's a production that deserves to be seen. Incredible.

Oliver! UK Tour

There's not many shows which can take you on the journey that you go on throughout Oliver! It's at heart a family show, with great wit and humour but it's quite a dark story too. This production under the producer Cameron Mackintosh and is directed by Laurence Connor is lavish and superbly staged and plays both the dark and light aspects of the story greatly to make it a wonderful visit to the theatre for any family.

When you look at the list of the musical numbers and you realise just how many of the songs you recognise and the genius work of Lionel Bart is continually entertaining audiences. I think if you asked most people they could name a song from the piece, and that is on part due to the ever popular musical film.

Totie Driver and Adrian Vaux have superbly designed the world of Oliver! from the Workhouse to Fagin's den, every set is big and is aided by Anthony Ward's costumes and Paule Constable's lighting design.

The show is made or lost on the strength of the lead characters, and much of the responsibility is on the shoulders of the children. Having seen the production 6 times now I've been blown away by the talent of the youngsters, especially the ones who have played Oliver, Dodger and a mention to the child playing Nipper (the youngest child of Fagin's gang). I won't single out any of the Oliver's or Dodger's as they've all been fantastic.

The Fagin in the show is also vital, as you need that character to be believable. Having seen Neil Morrisey on every occasion I've seen the show, I must say he's perfectly cast for the part. He's clearly having a ball playing the character. His comic past come to the fore during a scene where he's looking at his personal treasures, where gets some great gags, and also a mention of the famous Bob The Builder line (he voiced the character) 'Can You Fix It?'. He's also got a great voice for the songs, and his 'Reviewing The Situation' is a particular highlight.

Iain Fletcher is a strong and menacing Bill Sikes, striking fear into the characters, and the younger members of the audience. He plays the villainous character here so well. His solo 'My Name' is brilliant. Here I must praise Ryan O'Gorman whom I saw play the role in Leeds, he played it very strongly too.

Samantha Barks star continues to rise with an outstanding showing as Nancy. She brings real heart and emotion to the show, her death scene is so well played with Iain that it's almost to hard to watch. Her voice is faultless and her 'As Long As He Needs Me' is stunning. I've also had the pleasure of seeing Kara Lane play the role, and her take on it is also faultless, she brought her own take the role, and I must say I thought her 'As Long As He Needs Me' and the subsequent reprise were among some of the best vocals I've heard. Both ladies deserve to be leading shows and I hope post Oliver! that they both do.

A fantastic ensemble add real strength to the production. Jack Edwards and Claire Machin bring great humour and voices, I particularly love Jack's 'Boy For Sale'. David Langham and CJ Johnson are highly enjoyable as Mr and Mrs Sowerberry. It is in the group numbers that the show soars, 'Consider Yourself', 'Who Will Buy?' and 'Oom-Pah-Pah' show the strength of the cast and how good they are together.

Before I wrap this blog up, I must heap a huge praise on the fantastic orchestra under the direction of Toby Higgins. The orchestra are probably the best I've seen (and heard) at a show.

If you get a chance in the final 2 weeks of the tour to see this production then you simply HAVE too.

Oliver! runs at the Bristol Hippodrome until Sunday 24th February 2013.

Macmillan Charity Auction (Silverstone Half 2013)

I am running the 2013 Silverstone Half Marathon in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, and in memory of my Grandpa who sadly passed away in July 2012. As part and to raise more sponsor money I am looking to run a Charity Auction, where all the money raised will go straight to Macmillan with all the other sponsorship money.

If you want to sponsor me directly for the half marathon please visit http://www.justgiving.com/MarkJohnsonSilverstone2013 (click on the link).

If you or anyone you know can help then please can you contact me in the following ways:

Twitter - https://twitter.com/leicestermark
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/leicestermark12
E-Mail - leicester-mark@hotmail.co.uk

All items will be auctioned on the internet auction site Ebay.

Below will be a list of items and their links (when they go online):

• The Saturdays Signed 30 Days Single - signed by all 5 members - SOLD
• Set of EastEnders signed cast cards, Jake Wood (Max Branning), Alex Francis (Bobby Beale), Linda Henry (Shirley Carter) and Himesh Patel (Tamwar Masood) - SOLD
• A Rock Of Ages London programme signed by Oliver Tompsett - SOLD
• Jerry Springer The Opera London programme (unsigned)
• Love Never Dies London programme signed by Liz Robertson - SOLD 
• The Sound Of Music London special opening night programme, signed by Connie Fisher, Alexander Hanson and Lesley Garrett - SOLD 
• Busgy Malone National Youth Music Theatre's Leaflet (staring Sheridan Smith) signed by Sheridan Smith
• La Cage Aux Folles London Programme, final London cast 2009/10 (Douglas Hodge and Dennis Lawson) unsigned
• Rocky Horror Show 2007 Tour Poster - Sheffield Lyceum Theatre
• Legally Blonde London Poster (Sheridan Smith)

Boris Godunov Blogging Event

The Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Boris Godunov is currently playing in rep as part of the 'A World Elsewhere' season along side two other plays, The Orphan of Zhao and The Life Of Galileo. The RSC ran their third social media call and this time Boris was the play to be featured. This time instead of running a scene for us to film/take pictures of, we were given tickets to see the matinee performance of the play and then attend a post show question and answer session.

Stephen Ventura (Shchelkarlov/Misail/Poet), Sadie Shimmin (Hostess), 

Philip Whitchurch (Varlaam/Prince Wisniowiecki) 

Photo By: Ellie Kurttz

The play is set in Russia in 1598, when, Prince Dmitry, the rightful heir to the Russian throne is dead and its left to Boris Godunov to reluctantly take the throne. After six years of securely ruling, rumours begin to surface that it was Boris that killed Dmitry to clear his way to the throne. These whispers reach the Chudov Monastery, where a young monk, Grigory, is yearning for life outside his cell. Realising that Prince Dmitry would have been the same age as him, he flees the monastery for Poland, where he intends to post as the 'reborn' Prince and convince the Polish people to help his overthrow Boris and become Tsar. In Poland, Grigory is using his considerable charm to gain loyalty and manpower. He has also caught the eye of the Polish princess, Maryna, who is quite taken with the idea of marrying a Tsar. When he finally proposes marriage he becomes compelled to reveal his true identity to her. She is furious, but eventually agrees to be his wife if he manages to overthrow Boris. Grigory gathers a troop of supporters and crosses over the Russian border to fight, after a first defeat, Grigory rallies the troops for a second, and back in Moscow, Boris Godunov's life, and claim to the throne, is hanging in the balance.

                                        video clip from Boris Godunov (c) RSC.

The play is superbly performed by the company and stars a fantastic cast led by Gethin Antony as Grigory and Lloyd Hutchinson as Boris Godunov. Other cast members include James Tucker as Shuisky, Joe Dixon as Afanasii Pushkin and Lucy Briggs Owen as Maryna.

This production of the play is a new adaptation of a play originally by Alexander Pushkin and was adapted by the late Adrian Mitchell and is directed by the former RSC Artist Director (2002-2012) Michael Boyd. The set for the production has been designed by Olivier Award winning Tom Piper, the lighting designed by Vince Herbert and music is by John Woolf. All of these contribute to a feel of Russia. Though the set maybe a little basic, the acting and use of the space makes up for it. The music definitely feels authentically Russian. All in all, the cast and the production team have produced a very enjoyable piece of theatre, that I'd recommend highly that everyone catches.

Lloyd Hutchinson (Boris Godunov)

 Photo By: Ellie Kurttz

After the show, all of us bloggers were invited back to the Ferguson Room at the RSC for a post show Q+A with three of the actors, Gethin Antony (Grigory), Lloyd Hutchinson (Boris) and James Tucker (Shuisky) and we were also joined by the productions assistant director, Emily Kempson.

Here are some of the questions and answers that were given.

Q - Could you please give us an introduction to the play.
A - (Emily) One of the things I found really interesting with this play its that it's got a really interesting production history, in fact this is the first time this uncensored version has been performed professionally in England. The play has continuously been repressed by various censorship regimes and throughout Russian history. The action begins in 1598 with the coronation of Boris which is also the time that Elizabeth The First was on the throne of England, so around the same time that Shakespeare was alive here is what was happening in Russia, that is why its part of the World Elsewhere season. The production was directed by Michael Boyd, and his last production while he was Artistic Director and I think it was a really apt play for him to finish on and certainly felt a good finale to his ten year tenure. It's a really good round up of the Russian work that Michael has done while he's been at the RSC. He trained as a director in Russia and has a really strong connections with Russia, and he also speaks Russian, which is something we all found really useful during rehearsals. Hearing his insight. So along with the connections this play has to Shakespeare's histories it felt an appealing last play for him to do. The rehearsal period was a much longer one than I've ever been involved with, so that was a very brilliant thing for me. It felt for me a very open and creative process in that Michael isn't one of those directors that walks into the rehearsals with a plan of this is how the production will be. It's very much about getting in the rehearsal room and putting ideas together. In the beginning we thought of what the play might say about Russia today, and the Pussy Riot thing was much more recent when we started, and that was on the news and we also talked about what this play might say about Russian politics throughout history and even still today. We also had a brilliant talk by writer Martin Sixsmith where we talked about how Russia constantly finds itself within the grip of an automatic power.

Q - You said it was a long rehearsal period, how long was it?
A - (Gethin) The two shows rehearsed side by side, this and The Orphan Of Zhao and I think it was around 11 weeks, so on each play around 6-ish weeks.

Q - So you might be rehearsing one play in the morning and another in the afternoon?
A - (Gethin) I mean some of the actors would be bouncing between China and Russia, and get some severe jet lack. There were actors that would get one call to be here then another to be elsewhere. What was interesting for me, its the first time I've worked with the RSC and the first time I've worked in anyway like this to not only have six weeks within that 12 week rehearsal time, you also get a lot of thinking time. For a British actor it was a real privilege to have that amount of time for the material to seep in.

Graham Turner (General Basmanov/Father Czernikowski)

Photo by Ellie Kurttz 

Q - Over that time were you developing as an ensemble? It's not a director saying this is what you'll do, it comes together as an ensemble?
A - (Lloyd) Yes, a lot of its the more the ensemble play together the tighter it becomes.
A - (Gethin) It's something that Michael really encouraged is that collaboration, a genuine collaboration, where anyone in the room can talk about anything, any department, and that create works like the coat fight. Things like that where Tom Piper (designer) brings coats into the rehearsal room and the actors contribute by finding how to use them as well and that hopefully that creates good work.

Q - I was going to ask about the concept of the battles, I though it was absolutely incredible, was it developed in the rehearsal room, rather than anyone having a set plan?
A - (Emily) Absolutely, Michael hates planning. There's no real planing.
A - (Lloyd) I mean there was a bunch of coats in the rehearsal room for us all to stick on and they were just picked up and used and then we thought how would you fight with a coat.

Q - In the original Russian script, did it break into the rhyming couplets that are in the production?
A - (Gethin) Adrian Mitchell honoured the form throughout
A - (Lloyd) It was a real shame that he wasn't in the rehearsal room, as he sadly died around 4 years ago. It would have been great to have him in the room because you've got Pushkin and him, two very different writers that came from the same block of wood, it would have been great to have him there.

Lloyd Hutchinson (Boris Godunov)

Photo by Ellie Kurttz 

Q - There's no interval in the production. Was that decision made early on and how did you feel about it?
A - (Lloyd) I personally love it, I'm a great fan of watching plays straight through. Sometime I think an interval can slow it down, but in some plays you do need that break. I remember when Michael said it I was thrilled because the first acts only around 40 minutes long.
A - (Emily) The decision was made later in the process. It's a bit of negotiation with other departments as having no interval has implications for them too. It was a really good discipline because we were told that we had to make the production 2 hours or under which I think serves it well.
A - (Lloyd) I was really enthusiastic about offering cuts early on, which I believe is vital, and it's important that you make the right cuts.
A - (James) Michael's a director who likes scenes to overlap, he hates scene changes.

Q - This was my first time in the Swan, I was really intrigued with the way you were interacting with the audience. Is that something you've done specifically for this production?
A - (Lloyd) With The Orphan Of Zhao that is quite a contained show, it's very focused, but with Boris there's always that notion that you the audience is observing us all the time. You're always there to be played with, to and involved. This was something that came out early on in rehearsing.
A - (James) Michael does that, he wants to audience to part of the action.
A - (Gethin) Essentially the writing leads you there.
Q - I think it's partly the theatre.
A - (James) You're in one room, you're having a conversation with the audience yourself as the character. I love it when a single actor is upon the stage, and they'll stand in a spot where they can take in more or less the whole audience and they can talk to them.

Q - I thought the structure of the play was quite unusual because its monologue, then a little bit of duologue and other wise its story telling. Was that something you felt playing it?
A - (Lloyd) Pushkin was such a big fan of Shakespeare, he wants to the monologue, there's bits of Macbeth in it, the comedy tavern is something similar to Henry IV part 2. It's a real lover letter to Shakespeare. You just have to honour what the writer has written, there's nothing else you can do.

Q - Was the music in the original play?
A - (Emily) John Woolf has done all the music, there is existing chants but John did all the rest. There is lyrics to the song in the tavern scene is in the original play.

Q - Does working in rep change the mind frame of an actor?
A - (James) It certainly changes your energy levels depending on what sort of day you've had. I guess tiredness can sometimes be a good thing.
A - (Lloyd) It brings out different qualities, it allows you to play with different aspects of your own apparatus.

Gethin Anthony (Grigory Otrepiev)

Photo by Ellie Kurttz  

Boris Godunov runs at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon until March 30th 2013 for more information visit the RSC Website (click here)

Shows I Saw in 2012

Being into the new year now, I've decided to blog up all the shows (musicals, plays, comedy gigs and music concerts) I saw in the previous year (there is alot),  and pick out which were the best and the best performances I saw... I've also included some of the pictures from the year.

January 2012
Oliver! (Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff) Musical - 3rd January 2012
Cast Included - Neil Morrisey (Fagin), Samantha Barks (Nancy), Iain Fletcher (Bill Sikes), Stephen Moore (Mr Brownlow), Jack Edwards (Mr Bumble), Suzie Chard (Widow Corney), Emma Dukes (Bet)

Robinson Crusoe and The Caribbean Pirates (New Theatre, Cardiff) Pantomime - 4th January 2012
Cast Included - Christopher Biggins (Mrs Crusoe), Paul Zerdin (Robinson Crusoe), David Bedella (Blackheart), Stephanie Siadatan (Girl Friday)

Me and David Bedella after Robinson Crusoe

The Heart Of Robin Hood (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 5th January 2012
Cast Included - James McArdle (Robin), Iris Roberts (Marion), Martin Hutson (Prince John), Tim Treloar (Guy of Gisborne), Ólafur Darri Ólafsson (Pierre)

42nd Street (Curve Theatre, Leicester) Musical - 10th/18th January 2012
Cast Included - Daisy Maywood (Peggy Sawyer), Tim Flavin (Julian Marsh), Ria Jones (Dorothy Block), Steve Fortune (Abner Dillon), Alan Burkitt (Andy Lee), Geraldine Fitzgerald (Maggie Jones)

Les Miserables (Queens Theatre, London) Musical - 21st January 2012
Cast Included - Ramin Karimloo (Jean Valjean), Hadley Fraser (Javert), Craig Mather (Marius), Alexia Khadime (Eponine), Lisa-Anne Wood (Cosette), Caroline Sheen (Fantine), Liam Tamne (Enjrolas)

Me and Ramin Karimloo after Les Miserables

The Taming Of The Shrew (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 24th January 2012
Cast Included - Lisa Dillon (Kate), David Caves (Petruchio), Nick Holder (Christopher Sly), David Rintoul (Gremio), Elizabeth Cadwallader (Bianca)

Alfie Boe (DeMontfort Hall, Leicester) Concert - 25th January 2012
Performers - Alfie Boe, Laura Wright, Catherine Manford

February 2012
Testing Testing (Kalal, Leicester) Comedy Gig -6th February 2012
Comedians - Gary Delany, Joe Lycett and Sarah Millican

Rob Rouse - (The Crumblin' Cookie, Leicester) Comedy Gig - 10th February 2012
Comedians - Rob Rouse

Gavin DeGraw (Manchester O2 Academy, Manchester) Concert - 12th February 2012
Performers - Gavin DeGraw, Juan Zelada (support act)

Me and Gavin DeGraw at the Meet And Greet

Greg Davies and Friends (DeMontfort Hall, Leicester) Comedy Gig - 13th February 2012
Comedians - Greg Davies, Rhod Gilbert, Russell Howard, Joe Lycett, Ed Gamble, Mark Olver

Stuart Goldsmith (The Belmont Hotel, Leicester) Comedy Gig - 16th February 2012
Comedians - Stuart Goldsmith

Patrick Monahan (The Little Theatre, Leicester) Comedy Gig - 18th February 2012
Comedians - Patrick Monahan

The Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers Awards 2012 (Prince Of Wales Theatre, London) Awards Concert - 19th February 2012
Hosts - Sheridan Smith, Alan Davies, Jenny Eclair

Me and Tim Minchin outside the Whatsonstage Awards

Calender Girls (DeMontfort Hall, Leicester) Play - 20th February 2012
Cast Included - Lynda Bellingham (Chris), Lisa Riley (Ruth) Jan Harvey (Annie), Sue Holderness (Celia), Ruth Madoc (Marie), Deena Payne (Cora)

Les Miserables (Queens Theatre, London) Musical - 24th February 2012
Cast Included - Ramin Karimloo (Jean Valjean), Hadley Fraser (Javert), Craig Mather (Marius), Alexia Khadime (Eponine), Lisa-Anne Wood (Cosette), Caroline Sheen (Fantine), Liam Tamne (Enjrolas)

March 2012
Gypsy (Curve Theatre, Leicester) Musical - 10th/14th March 2012
Cast Included - Caroline O'Connor (Momma Rose), Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (Louise), Daisy Maywood (Dainty June), David Fleeshman (Herbie)

The Comedy Of Errors (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play -19th March 2012
Cast Included - Stephen Hagan (Antipholus Of Ephesus), Felix Hayes (Dromio Of Ephesus), Jonathan McGuiness (Antipholus of Syracuse), Bruce Mackinnon (Dromio of Syracuse), Kirsty Bushell (Adriana), Nicholas Day (Egeon)

Matilda - (Cambridge Theatre, London) Musical - 21st March 2012
Cast Included - Sophia Kiely (Matilda), Bertie Carvel (Miss Trunchball), Lauren Ward (Miss Honey), Paul Kaye (Mr Wormwood)

Gypsy (Curve Theatre, Leicester) Musical -25th March 2012
Cast Included - Caroline O'Connor (Momma Rose), Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (Louise), Daisy Maywood (Dainty June), David Fleeshman (Herbie)

Me and Caroline O'Connor after Gypsy

Oliver! (Hippodrome, Birmingham) Musical - 30th March 2012
Cast Included - Neil Morrisey (Fagin), Samantha Barks (Nancy), Iain Fletcher (Bill Sikes), Stephen Moore (Mr Brownlow), Jack Edwards (Mr Bumble), Suzie Chard (Widow Corney), Emma Dukes (Bet)

April 2012
Oliver! (Hippodrome, Birmingham) Musical - 1st April 2012
Cast Included - Neil Morrisey (Fagin), Samantha Barks (Nancy), Iain Fletcher (Bill Sikes), Stephen Moore (Mr Brownlow), Jack Edwards (Mr Bumble), Suzie Chard (Widow Corney), Emma Dukes (Bet)

Me and Samantha Barks after Oliver!

The Osmonds (Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham) Concert - 4rd April 2012
Performers - Jimmy Osmond, Jay Osmond, Merrill Osmond

Gypsy (Curve Theatre, Leicester) Musical -5th April 2012
Cast Included - Caroline O'Connor (Momma Rose), Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (Louise), Daisy Maywood (Dainty June), David Fleeshman (Herbie)

Me and Victoria Hamilton-Barritt after Gypsy

Il Divo (Motorpoint Arena, Sheffield) Concert - 7th April 2012
Performers - Il Divo

Doctor In The House (Theatre Royal, Nottingham) Play - 10th April 2012
Cast Included - Joe Pasquale (Tony), Robert Powell (Sir Lancelot Spratt), Emma Barton (Vera)

Me and Joe Pasquale after Doctor In The House

Steps (Capital FM Arena, Nottingham) Concert - 11th April 2012
Performers - Steps, Shockolady, Kamaliya

Gypsy (Curve Theatre, Leicester) Musical -12th April 2012
Cast Included - Caroline O'Connor (Momma Rose), Victoria Hamilton-Barritt (Louise), Daisy Maywood (Dainty June), David Fleeshman (Herbie)

The Tale Of Two Cities (Charing Cross Theatre, London) Musical - 14th April 2012
Cast Included - Anthony Hansen (Charles Darnay), Jennifer Hepburn (Lucie), Michael Howe (Sydney Carton)

We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre, London) Musical - 18th April 2012
Cast Included - Lauren Samuels (Scaramouche), Scott Monello (Galileo), Kevin Kennedy (Pop),  Alasdair Harvey (Khashoggi), Rachel John (Meat)

Me and Lauren Samuels after We Will Rock You

Twelfth Night (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 19th April 2012
Cast Included - Emily Taffe (Viola), Stephen Hagan (Sebastian), Nicholas Day (Sir Toby Belch), Bruce Mackinnon (Sir Andrew Aguecheek), Jonathan Slinger (Malvolio) Jonathan McGuiness (Orsino)

King John (Swan Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 21st April 2012
Cast Included - Alex Waldmann (King John), Pippa Nixon (The Bastard), John Stahl (King Philip Of France), Susie Trayling (Constance), Oscar Pearce (Lewis The Dauphin)

Joseph And His Technicolour Dreamcoat (Curve Theatre, Leicester) Musical -25th April 2012
Cast Included -  Keith Jack (Joseph), Jennifer Potts (Narrator), Henry Metcalfe (Jacob)

Avenue Q (DeMontfort Hall, Leicester) Musical - 30th April 2012
Cast Included - Sam Lupton (Princeton/Rod), Katherine Moraz (Kate/Lucy), Chris Thatcher (Nicky/Trekkie/Bear), Daniella Gibb (Mrs T/Bear), Matthew J Henry (Gary)

May 2012
The Tempest (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play -1st May 2012
Cast Included - Jonathan Slinger (Prospero), Sandy Grierson (Ariel), Soloman Israel (Ferdinand), Emily Taaffe (Miranda), Amer Hlehel (Caliban), Kirsty Bushell (Sebastian)

A Tale Of Two Cities (Charing Cross Theatre, London) Musical - 2nd May 2012
Cast Included - Jonathan Ansell (Charles Darnay), Jennifer Hepburn (Lucie), Michael Howe (Sydney Carton)

Me and Rebecca Wicking after A Tale Of Two Cities

The Comedy Of Errors (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play -4th May 2012
Cast Included - Sargon Yelda (Antipholus Of Ephesus), Ankur Bahl (Dromio Of Ephesus/Dromio of Syracuse), Sandy Grierson (Antipholus of Syracuse), Sarah Belcher (Adriana), Nicholas Day (Egeon)

Two Roses For Richard III (Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 7th May 2012
Cast Included - Raquel Karro, Julia Lund, Carol Machado, Savio Moll, Renato Rocha, João Lucas Romero, Marcelle Sampaio, Rafael Sardão, Thierry Tremouroux, Carolina Virguez, Marcio Vito

Ramin Karimloo (Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham) Concert - 9th May 2012
Performers - Ramin Karimloo, Louise Dearman, Ben Richards

Twelfth Night (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 11th May 2012
Cast Included - Amie Burns Walker (Viola), Stephen Hagan (Sebastian), Jan Knightley (Sir Toby Belch), Ankur Bahl (Sir Andrew Aguecheek), Felix Hayes (Malvolio) Sargon Yelda (Orsino)

Les Miserables (Queens Theatre, London) Musical -12th May 2012
Cast Included - David Shannon (Jean Valjean), Earl Carpenter (Javert), Craig Mather (Marius), Alexia Khadime (Eponine), Lisa-Anne Wood (Cosette), Caroline Sheen (Fantine), Liam Tamne (Enjrolas)

Me and Earl Carpenter after Les Miserables

Wonderful Town (Theatre Royal, Nottingham) Musical - 17th May 2012
Cast Included - Connie Fisher (Ruth), Michael Xavier (Bob Baker), Lucy Van Gasse (Eileen), Nic Greenshields (Wreck), Haydn Oakley (Frank Lippencott)

Me and Michael Xavier after Wonderful Town

Richard III (Swan Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 24th May 2012
Cast Included - Jonjo O'Neill (Richard), Paola Dionisotti (Queen Margaret), Pippa Nixon (Lady Anne),(Brian Ferguson (Buckingham), John Stahl (Hastings), Alex Waldmann (Catesby)

June 2012
King John (Swan Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 4th June 2012
Cast Included - Alex Waldmann (King John), Pippa Nixon (The Bastard), John Stahl (King Philip Of France), Susie Trayling (Constance), Oscar Pearce (Lewis The Dauphin)

Rock Of Ages (Shaftesbury Theatre, London) Musical - 9th June 2012
Cast Included - Oliver Tompsett (Drew), Natalie Andreou (Sherrie), Simon Lipkin (Lonny), Grant Anthony (Dennis Dupree) Jodie Jacobs (Regina/Candi), Shayne Ward (Stacee Jaxx)

The Comedy Of Errors (The Roundhouse, London) Play -22nd June 2012
Cast Included - Stephen Hagan (Antipholus Of Ephesus), Felix Hayes (Dromio Of Ephesus), Jonathan McGuiness (Antipholus of Syracuse), Bruce Mackinnon (Dromio of Syracuse), Kirsty Bushell (Adriana), Nicholas Day (Egeon)

West End Live (Trafalgar Square, London) Concert - 23nd/24th June 2012
Shows performing Included - Matilda, Rock Of Ages, Jersey Boys, We Will Rock You, Les Miserables, Phantom Of The Opera, Ghost, Wicked

Rock Of Ages (Shaftesbury Theatre, London) Musical - 24th June 2012
Cast Included - Oliver Tompsett (Drew), Natalie Andreou (Sherrie), Nathan Amzi (Lonny), Justin-Lee Collins (Dennis Dupree) Jodie Jacobs (Regina/Candi), Shayne Ward (Stacee Jaxx)

Little Women (Playhouse Theatre, London) Concert/Musical - 24th June 2012
Cast Included - Nikki Davis Jones (Jo), Sarah Lark (Beth), Lisa-Anne Wood (Amy), Gina Beck (Meg), Helena Blackman (Belle Gardner), Norman Bowman (Professor Bhaer), Daniel Boys (Laurie), Shona Lindsay (Marmee): Jon Robyns (John Brooke)

Me and Nikki Davis Jones after Little Women

Julius Caesar (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play -30th June 2012
Cast Included - Paterson Joseph (Brutus), Cyril Nri (Cassius), Ray Fearon (Mark Antony), Jeffery Kissoon (Julius Caesar)

A Soldier In Every Son (Swan Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 30th June 2012
Cast Included - Brian Ferguson (Itzcoatl), Alex Waldmann (Ixtlixochitl/Nezahualcoyotl), Mark Holgate (Maxtla), John Stahl (Tezozomoc), Joshua Jenkins (Tochitzin/Moctezuma), Natalie Klamar (Zilamiauh/Citlali)

Me and Alex Waldmann after A Soldier In Every Son

July 2012
A Soldier In Every Son (Swan Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 2nd July 2012
Cast Included - Brian Ferguson (Itzcoatl), Alex Waldmann (Ixtlixochitl/Nezahualcoyotl), Mark Holgate (Maxtla), John Stahl (Tezozomoc), Joshua Jenkins (Tochitzin/Moctezuma), Natalie Klamar (Zilamiauh/Citlali), Susie Trayling (Tecpa/Macuetzin)

Rock Of Ages (Shaftesbury Theatre, London) Musical - 7th July 2012
Cast Included - Oliver Tompsett (Drew), Natalie Andreou (Sherrie), Simon Lipkin (Lonny), Justin-Lee Collins (Dennis Dupree) Jodie Jacobs (Regina/Candi), Sandy Moffat (Stacee Jaxx)

Me and Jodie Jacobs after Rock Of Ages

A Soldier In Ever Son (Swan Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Social Media Call - 10th July 2012
Cast Included - Alex Waldmann (Ixtlixochitl/Nezahualcoyotl), Susie Trayling (Tecpa/Macuetzin)

Legally Blonde (Milton Keynes Theatre, Milton Keynes) Musical - 31st July 2012
Cast Included - Amy Ross (Elle Woods), Iwan Lewis (Emmett), Gareth Gates (Warner), Tracey Penn (Vivenne), Jennifer Ellison (Paulette), Andy Mace (Callahan)

August 2012
Much Ado About Nothing (Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 4th August 2012
Cast Included - Meera Syal (Beatrice), Paul Bhattacharjee (Benedick), Amara Karan (Hero), Sagar Arya (Claudio), Shiv Grewal (Don Pedro)

Jersey Boys (Prince Edward Theatre, London) Musical - 9th August 2012
Cast Included - Ryan Molloy (Frankie Valli), Jon Boydon (Tommy Devito), Eugene McCoy (Nick Massi), Matthew Wycliffe (Bob Gaudio)

Me and Jon Boydon after Jersey Boys

Rock Of Ages (Shaftesbury Theatre, London) Musical - 9th August 2012
Cast Included - Oliver Tompsett (Drew), Natalie Andreou (Sherrie), Simon Lipkin (Lonny), Justin-Lee Collins (Dennis Dupree) Jodie Jacobs (Regina/Candi), Shayne Ward (Stacee Jaxx)

Me and Natalie Andreou after Rock Of Ages

Julius Caesar (Noel Coward Theatre, London) Play - 16th August 2012
Cast Included - Paterson Joseph (Brutus), Cyril Nri (Cassius), Ray Fearon (Mark Antony), Jeffery Kissoon (Julius Caesar)

Rock Of Ages (Shaftesbury Theatre, London) Musical - 16th August 2012
Cast Included - Oliver Tompsett (Drew), Natalie Andreou (Sherrie), Nathan Amzi (Lonny), Justin-Lee Collins (Dennis Dupree) Amy Thornton (Regina/Candi), Shayne Ward (Stacee Jaxx)

Me and Oliver Tompsett after Rock Of Ages

Much Ado About Nothing (Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 23rd August 2012
Cast Included - Meera Syal (Beatrice), Paul Bhattacharjee (Benedick), Amara Karan (Hero), Sagar Arya (Claudio), Shiv Grewal (Don Pedro)

Jonjo O'Neill, Me and Pippa Nixon after Richard III Q+A

Julius Caesar (Noel Coward Theatre, London) Play - 24th August 2012
Cast Included - Mark Theodore (Brutus), Andrew French (Cassius), Theo Ogundipe (Mark Antony), Ricky Fearon (Julius Caesar)

Hysteria (Oxford Playhouse, Oxford) Play - 27th August 2012
Cast Included - Antony Sher (Freud), Indira Varma (Jessica), Will Keen (Dali)

The Comedy Of Errors (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 30th August 2012
Cast Included - Stephen Hagan (Antipholus Of Ephesus), Felix Hayes (Dromio Of Ephesus), Jonathan McGuiness (Antipholus of Syracuse), Bruce Mackinnon (Dromio of Syracuse), Kirsty Bushell (Adriana), Nicholas Day (Egeon)

King John (Swan Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 30th August 2012
Cast Included - Alex Waldmann (King John), Pippa Nixon (The Bastard), John Stahl (King Philip Of France), Susie Trayling (Constance), Oscar Pearce (Lewis The Dauphin)

September 2012
The Comedy Of Errors (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 4th September 2012
Cast Included - Stephen Hagan (Antipholus Of Ephesus), Felix Hayes (Dromio Of Ephesus), Jonathan McGuiness (Antipholus of Syracuse), Bruce Mackinnon (Dromio of Syracuse), Kirsty Bushell (Adriana), Nicholas Day (Egeon)

Sweeney Todd (Adelphi Theatre, London) Musical - 5th September 2012
Cast Included - Michael Ball (Sweeney Todd), Imelda Staunton (Mrs Lovett), Lucy May Barker (Johanna), Luke Brady (Anthony), John Bowe (Judge Turpin), Peter Polycarpou (Beadle Bamford)

The Sound Of Music (Kilworth House Theatre, Leicestershire) Musical - 6th September 2012
Cast Included - Helena Blackman (Maria), Ian Knauer (Captain Von Trapp), Jan Hartley (Mother Abbess), Russell Wilcox (Max), Rebecca Caine (Elsa Schraeder)

Les Miserables (Queens Theatre, London) Musical -8th September 2012
Cast Included - Geronimo Rauch (Jean Valjean), Tam Mutu (Javert), Craig Mather (Marius), Danielle Hope (Eponine), Samantha Dorsey (Cosette), Sierra Boggess (Fantine), Liam Tamne (Enjrolas)

Me and Sierra Boggess after Les Miserables

King John (Swan Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 12th September 2012
Cast Included - Alex Waldmann (King John), Pippa Nixon (The Bastard), John Stahl (King Philip Of France), Susie Trayling (Constance), Oscar Pearce (Lewis The Dauphin)
 
Twelfth Night (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 13th September 2012
Cast Included - Emily Taffe (Viola), Stephen Hagan (Sebastian), Nicholas Day (Sir Toby Belch), Bruce Mackinnon (Sir Andrew Aguecheek), Jonathan Slinger (Malvolio) Jonathan McGuiness (Orsino)

Finding Neverland (Curve Theatre, Leicester) Musical - 24th September 2012
Cast Included - Julian Ovenden (J M Barrie), Rosalie Craig (Sylvvia Llewelyn-Davies), Oliver Boot (Hook/Blunt), Clare Foster (Mary Barrie), Liz Robertson (Mrs Dumaurier)

Hedda Gabler (Old Vic, London) Play - 29th September 2012
Cast Included - Sheridan Smith (Hedda), Adrian Scarborough (Jurgen Tesman), Daniel Lapaine (Eilert Loevborg), Fenella Woolgar (Thea Elvsted), Darrell D’Silva (Judge Brack)

The Tempest (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 30th September 2012
Cast Included - Jonathan Slinger (Prospero), Sandy Grierson (Ariel), Soloman Israel (Ferdinand), Emily Taaffe (Miranda), Amer Hlehel (Caliban), Kirsty Bushell (Sebastian)

Me and Nicholas Day after The Tempest

October 2012
The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice (Theatre Royal, Nottingham) Play - 3rd October 2012
Cast Included - Jess Robinson (Little Voice), Beverly Callard (Mari Hoff), Ray Quinn (Billy), Philip Andrews (Ray Say)

Me and Ceris Hine after Little Voice

Twelfth Night (Globe Theatre, London) Play - 7th October 2012
Cast Included - Mark Rylance (Olivia), Stephen Fry (Malvolio), Samuel Barnett (Sebastian), Johnny Flynn (Viola), Colin Hurley (Sir Toby Belch), Roger Lloyd Pack (Sir Andrew Aguecheek) Paul Chahidi (Maria)

Finding Neverland (Curve Theatre, Leicester) Musical - 8th October 2012
Cast Included - Norman Bowman (J M Barrie), Rosalie Craig (Sylvvia Llewelyn-Davies), Oliver Boot (Hook/Blunt), Clare Foster (Mary Barrie), Liz Robertson (Mrs Dumaurier)

Me and Norman Bowman after Finding Neverland

Finding Neverland (Curve Theatre, Leicester) Musical - 10th/11th/17th October 2012
Cast Included - Julian Ovenden (J M Barrie), Rosalie Craig (Sylvvia Llewelyn-Davies), Oliver Boot (Hook/Blunt), Clare Foster (Mary Barrie), Liz Robertson (Mrs Dumaurier)

One Man Two Guvnors (Curve Theatre, Leicester) Play - 30th October 2012
Cast Included - Rufus Hound (Francis Henshall), Rosie Wyatt (Rachel Crabbe), Edward Bennett (Stanley Stubbers), Amy Booth-Steel (Dolly), Peter Claufield (Alfie), Colin Mace (Charlie Clench)

November 2012
The Orphan Of Zhao (Swan Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 7th November 2012
Cast Included - Joe Dixon (Tu'an Gu), Jake Fairbrother (Cheng Bo), Graham Turner (Dr Cheng), Lucy Briggs-Owen (The Princess), Nia Gwynne (Dr Cheng's Wife), Philip Whitchurch (Wei Jang)

Steel Pier (Union Theatre, London) Musical - 11th November 2012
Cast Included - Sarah Galbraith (Rita Racine), Jay Rincon (Billy Kelly), Ian Knauer (Mick Hamilton), Aimie Atkinson (Shelby Stevens), Lisa-Anne Wood (Precious McGuire)

Oliver! (Grand Theatre, Leeds) Musical - 18th November 2012
Cast Included - Neil Morrisey (Fagin), Samantha Barks (Nancy), Ryan O'Gorman (Bill Sikes), Stephen Moore (Mr Brownlow), James Gant (Mr Bumble), Claire Machin (Widow Corney), Emma Dukes (Bet)

The Mouse And His Child (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 21st November 2012
Cast Included - Michael Hodgson (Manny), Daniel Ryan (Mouse), Bettrys Jones (Child), Julia Innocenti (Ralphie/Mrs Crow), Carla Mendonça (Elephant), Naomi Sheldon (Seal)

The West End Men (DeMontfort Hall, Leicester) Concert - 23rd November 2012
Performers - Ramin Karimloo, Lee Mead, Stephen Rahman Hughes, Ashleigh Grey

Boris Godunov (Swan Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 26th November 2012
Cast Included - Gethin Antony (Grigory), Lloyd Hutchinson (Boris Godunov), Patrick Romer (Father Pimen), Lucy Briggs Owen (Maryna), Joe Dixon (Afanasii Pushkin), Graham Turner (General Basmanov)

The Mouse And His Child (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 28th November 2012
Cast Included - Michael Hodgson (Manny), Daniel Ryan (Mouse), Bettrys Jones (Child), Julia Innocenti (Ralphie/Mrs Crow), Carla Mendonça (Elephant), Naomi Sheldon (Seal)

December 2012
Hello, Dolly! (Curve Theatre, Leicester) Musical - 4th/5th December 2012
Cast Included - Janie Dee (Dolly Levi), Dale Rapley (Horace Vandergelder), Laura Pitt-Pulford (Irene Molloy), Michael Xavier (Cornelious Hack), Ngo Ngofa (Minnie Fay), Jason Denton (Barnaby Tucker)

Lionel Richie (Capital FM Arena, Nottingham) Concert - 15th December 2012
Performers - Lionel Richie

Me and Lionel Richie at his Meet and Greet

The Merry Wives Of Windsor (Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-Upon-Avon) Play - 18th December 2012
Cast Included - Desmond Barrit (Sir John Falstaff), Anita Dobson (Mistress Quickly), Alexandra Gilbreath (Mistress Ford), John Ramm (Frank Ford), Sylvestra Le Touzel (Mistress Page), Martin Hyder (George Page), Naomi Sheldon (Anne Page)

The Rocky Horror Show (Theatre Royal, Brighton) Musical - 30th December 2012
Cast Included - Oliver Thornton (Frank N'Furter), Ben Forster (Brad), Roxanne Pallett (Janet), Rhydian (Rocky), Joel Montague (Dr Scott/Eddie), Kristian Lavercombe (Riff Raff), Ceris Hine (Columbia), Abigal Jaye (Magenta/Usherette)

Me and Ben Forster after Rocky Horror

Me and Roxanne Pallet after Rocky Horror

Stats...
Most Attended Theatres:

• Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Straford-Upon-Avon - 16
• Curve Theatre, Leicester - 16
• Swan Theatre, Straford-Upon-Avon - 10
• Shaftesbury Theatre, London - 5
• DeMontfort Hall, Leicester - 5

Shows Seen Most Times:

• The Comedy Of Errors - 5
• Gypsy - 5
• Finding Neverland - 5
• Rock Of Ages - 5
• King John - 4
• Les Miserables - 4
• Oliver! - 4

5 of the Best..

Musicals:

• Gypsy
• Finding Neverland
• Rocky Horror Show
• Matilda
• Rock Of Ages

Plays:

• King John (RSC)
• Comedy Of Errors (RSC)
• Twelfth Night (Globe)
• Julius Caesar (RSC)
• The Mouse And His Child (RSC)

Concerts:

• Lionel Richie
• Ramin Karimloo
• Little Women, 
• The Osmonds
• The West End Men

Male Musical Performances:

• Bertie Carvel in Matilda
• Oliver Boot in Finding Neverland
• Michael Ball in Sweeney Todd
• Ryan Molloy in Jersey Boys
• Geronimo Rauch in Les Miserables

Female Musical Performances:

• Victoria Hamilton-Barritt in Gypsy
• Aimie Atkinson in Steel Pier 
• Jemma Alexander in A Tale Of Two Cities
• Sophia Kiely in Matilda
• Imelda Staunton in Sweeney Todd

Male Play Performances:

• Alex Waldmann in King John
• Mark Rylance in Twelfth Night
• Ray Fearon in Julius Caesar
• Paterson Joseph in Julius Caesar
• Michael Hodgson in The Mouse And His Child

Female Play Performances:

• Pippa Nixon in King John
• Naomi Sheldon in The Mouse And His Child
• Alexandra Gilbreath in The Merry Wives Of Windsor
• Sheridan Smith in Hedda Gabler
• Susie Trayling in King John

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey has been released into cinema's worldwide. Following on from the massively successful Lord Of The Rings movies Peter Jackson and his superb team have made the Hobbit book into a trilogy of movies. An Unexpected Journey is part one of the trilogy, which will see two further film releases in the next two years. Peter Jackson just knows and clearly loves the stories of Middle Earth created by J.R.R Tolkien and once again he has created a movie of the highest quality.

*may contain spoilers*

The story opens in Bag End, on the same day as the Fellowship Of The Ring movie begins, with Bilbo (Ian Holm) settling down to write a book about the adventure he went on to the lonely mountain. He begins writing and you get a fantastic open 10 minutes setting up the plot. You get a brief moment between Bilbo and Frodo (Elijah Wood) in Bag End before Frodo sets off to await Gandalf's arrival for Bilbo's 111th Birthday party that evening. The story then switches to 60 years earlier where you find Bilbo (now played by Martin Freeman) sat on the bench outside Bag End talking to Gandalf (Ian McKellen). Gandalf explains of the adventure and that he needs a Hobbit to come with him, Bilbo refuses, and storms off inside. Gandalf leave's a sign on the door of Bag End so his fellow travelers, the dwarfs can find the house. Without giving too much more away the Dwarfs arrive at Bag End, and Bilbo still refuses to go with them. Waking up to find the Dwarfs and Gandalf have departed Bilbo wakes up and chases them down declaring 'I'm going on an adventure' as he runs through Hobbiton. This starts the journey to re-claim the Dwarfs kingdom...

The film is the first film to be shot using 48fps frame rate, and is also shot in 3D, to which I saw it in. I've not been overly impressed with 3D in previous films I've seen using it (Avatar being the only one that wowed me), but The Hobbit uses the 3D well. I know from the films reviews that the 48fps has come under some criticism but to me as a film goer I wouldn't be able to really tell you the difference in frames per second.

Once again the film has been shot mainly in New Zealand, and once again is a visual feast using some of the countries spectacular landscapes superbly throughout. You feel back in a place you know from The Lord Of The Rings movies, even though your mainly on new ground of Middle Earth. Though you do make a return to the familiar Hobbiton, Rivendell and Whethertop. I couldn't help but smile when you see the familiar places again, especially the moment the camera pans around and the Dwarfs see Rivendell for the first time.

The crew, once again Weta Workshop has show the incredible work they can put onto film. The script is superbly delivered by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson and Guillermo del Toro. I can't praise the work of the film crew highly enough, the work they've pulled off here, especially in terms of special effects is superb.

The cast led by Martin Freeman's fantastic performance as Bilbo Baggins, who is joined by Gandalf, with Ian McKellen making a brilliant return to re-playing the role. Richard Armitage brings brings great power to his portrayal of Thorin Oakenshield, the leader of the Dwarf pack. There is return roles to stars of The Lord Of The Rings trilogy with Cate Blanchett (Galadriel), Christopher Lee (Saruman) and Hugo Weaving (Elrond). A fantastic appearance for the once Doctor Who actor Sylvester McCoy as Radagast the Brown supports well. As do the performances from all of the Dwarfs. Naturally there is one character that can steal the movie, and once again an incredible appearance by Gollum (Andy Serkis) is a real highlight of the movie. His dual personalities battling against each other as he plays of game of riddles with Bilbo is a joy to watch. I don't think I noticed one weak performance from the company of actors.

Howard Shore has once again returned to the Middle Earth to compose the music, and like the brilliant scores he created for The Lord Of The Rings trilogy on this first showing of The Hobbit trilogy its clear to see he has again created another masterpiece of a soundtrack. There is some re-accruing themes from The Lord Of The Rings films, as you'd expect, but there is a lot of new music that is superb. The Dwarfs theme 'The Misty Mountains' that they sing in Bag End is orchestrated in various scenes. The Wargs/Orcs have a very powerful theme too which adds great tension to the moments you have these characters on screen. Throughout the movie its great to hear the fantastic score add to the scenes and once again Howard Shore has created a phenomenal soundtrack.

Overall, once again Peter Jackson and co take you on an incredible journey throughout Middle Earth, and end the story on the opening of Smaug's eye and leave you well set up for part two of this epic adventure. I for one say bring it on.

The Hobbit is open in cinema's worldwide. For more information on the movie visit www.thehobbit.com/

Talented Performers - Blog One

I'm going to do a little series of blogs of the stage performers that I think you should all check out, the first one will focus on 2 very talented females...

Kara Lane
Australian born Kara, grew up and trained over there before moving to England. Since moving over she's appeared in Lend Me A Tenor, Scrooge, Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar and The Rocky Horror Show. It was in Rocky Horror where I first saw Kara, where I saw her nearing 30 times, as Magenta/Usherette. She's a real talent, and has one of the purest and beautifulest voices around. Her rendition of 'Science Fiction Double Feature' was stunning, the best I've heard it sung. She's also a highly talented dancer. A real triple threat performer. She's a lovely lady too, and deserves to be leading the biggest of shows, and in the near future I hope she is. She's currently 1st cover Nancy in the UK Tour of Oliver, I really hope in the coming months before it finishes that she gets a good little run at the part, as I'd really love to see her do it. She is just a joy to watch. Real talent.

Follow her on Twitter @karalane90

Aimie Atkinson
In 2006 Aimie was the winner of the BBC Radio 2 Voice of Musical Theatre, and has since appeared in productions of Days Of Hope, Zorro, Cinderella  and Never Forget (and more). Now just 25, she's a young lady with a big vocals as proved by her singing in Never Forget (where I first saw her). She is currently appearing in the Steel Pier at the Union where she gives a show stealing performance as Shelby Stevens. I expect her like Kara to go on to leading the biggest shows.

Follow her on Twitter @AimieAtkinson


Keep an eye out for both in the future...

Steel Pier Review (Union Theatre, London)

Steel Pier is currently receiving its European Premiere at London's Union Theatre (off-West End) where it will run until November 24th 2012. The show only ran for 76 performances on Broadway, if only they'd had this creative team and cast then I feel the run may have been longer.

The Union Theatre is a very small venue, seats around 40 people I'd imagine, and this showing was a sell out, and hopefully the rest of the run will be a sell out too. A small space, which is hardly the most welcoming of places, and also a place you could easily manage to walk past and not notice. I highly enjoyed visiting though, even if some of the facilities are very basic (the mens loos appalling).

The show itself features music penned by John Kander and Fred Edd (Chicago and Cabaret) with the book written by David Thompson. There songs in general are good, with the stand out number being 'Everybody's Girl' sung here by the superb Aimie Atkinson. Richard Jones' choreography for such a small stage is simply remarkable, the actors must be exhausted by the end of the performance as they seem to give their all. The numbers 'Everybody's Dance' and the act one finale 'The Sprints' a particular highlight of the dancing.

A very surreal story, in which we're revealed at the end Billy Kelly (played by Jay Rincon) who has been seen through the show is actually a ghost and died in a stunt accident just before the story begins. This makes the love triangle between Rita Racine, Billy, and Mick Hamilton particularly hard to get your head around. But where the story lacks the music covers the crack, as do the company.

The band, Angharad Sanders (Keys 1 and MD), Benjamin Holder (Keys 2), Tammy Clarke Barrett (Reeds), Dan Brain (Bass) and Nicky Claufield (Percussion), were all superb playing the music to a high quality.

A high quality company has been assembled too, with Sarah Galbraith giving a superb turn as Rita Racine, her dance partner, Billy Kelly, is played well by Jay Rincon but his voice somewhat lacks in comparisons to Sarah's leaving their duets a bit weak. Ian Knauer (who I saw recently in Kilworth House's Sound Of Music) and Ian Kirton both add good turns as Mick Hamilton and Mr Walker respectively. A fantastic supporting performance comes from the outstanding Lisa-Anne Wood, who in her solo 'Two Little Words' hit the most extraordinary soprano notes. The dancers dance their hearts out throughout, all giving a high energy performance, with fine dancing. Mick Pick's (Steel Piers resident singers) sung with fine voice throughout (Louisa Roberts, Natalie Douglas and Eithne Bryan). The star turn  comes from Aimie Atkinson (who I saw in Never Forget a few years back and then thought she was a real talent) as Shelby Stevens. A real rising star.

Overall, a piece of theatre I highly enjoyed, and now the run is almost sold out, if you are/were lucky enough to catch it I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.