Wicked
Posted by in Theatre on September 18th, 2009
Wicked Discount Tickets
The musical, Wicked, was birthed from the bestselling novel from Gregory Maguire, ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’. If you have ever questioned what went on behind the scenes of the much-loved classic ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ then look no further than this incredibly successful musical production.
Wicked provides us with some insight into the life of the Wicked Witch, or Elphaba as she is known in this production. We discover her history and what motivated her to become the disastrously evil wicked witch known in the film. If you’ve ever pondered why the much-loved Tinman was unfortunate enough to be without a heart, or why the lion was truly a coward, or even how the good witch Glinda came to know the star of the show Elphaba then this is a performance that you need to watch.
Compare tickets online at Big Ticket Shop; The incredible musical numbers within this musical help us to understand the tale of the Wicked Witch, beginning with the powerful opening song ‘No One Mourn the Wicked’, sung straight after the Elphaba has been killed after Dorothy’s house has landed on top of her. The music then transports us back in time to the birth of the once not wicked witch. As the story progresses we continue to hear powerful songs sung beautifully by the wonderful cast. Stephen Schwartz’s lyrics and music resound throughout the theatre with each successive song carrying meaningful words and melodic tunes. The music succeeds in expressing a tint of darkness into the songs, while other tunes touch hearts with their lightness.
Complimenting the exceptionally well crafted script and songs is a wonderful set. The stage seems to move almost constantly and bears enough decoration to satisfy any and every theatre veteran. This set, combined with some great costume design, really help to transport the audience straight to the land of Oz. Special effects including explosions and flying add another facet to the already impressive visual spectacle.
Despite the mixed reviews that Wicked received from critics upon its debut in the year 2003, the audience adored it and consistently packed out the auditoriums where they could enjoy the performance. Today it is still difficult to procure tickets for the hit show so it is essential to book in advance in order to save disappointment.
If you are looking to be transported to another land, to enjoy the story of a girl turned wicked through circumstances and to seek the answers to the many questions generated through the immensely popular movie ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’, then you must watch this musical. The flawless cast will sing their way into your heart as you listen to their stunning renditions of some already beautiful music, even as the spectacular stage design and special effects will be a true treat for your eyes.
We Will Rock You
Posted by in Theatre on September 18th, 2009
It’s time to be thrown into the future as you take your seat in the theatre, eagerly awaiting the spectacle that is the musical We Will Rock You. Writer and director Ben Elton has crafted an incredible performance, featuring a whole host of the music and lyrics of the world-famous rock band Queen. Freddie Mercury fans will be gagging for more, while even those unfamiliar with the works of the legendary group are sure to be stirred as classics like Bohemian Rhapsody burst forth from the well-chosen cast.
In the futuristic world to which we are introduced through the course of the production, we learn that all musical instruments have been banned by order of the GlobalSoft Corporation in whose hands control of the earth, now known as Planet Mall, resides. Methods of torture control the populace of our planet who dare to speak against the tyranny that they face, however a group of rebels wait patiently underground for the fulfilling of the prophecy that states that musical instruments do still exist.
No story is complete without a villain to hate and GlobalSoft’s chairwoman, the Killer Queen, steps nicely up to the plate. Her determination to destroy the ‘Dreamer’, the person destined to bring music back to the land, dominates proceedings, while Galileo, the Dreamer himself, is on a mission to save the world from the evil dominance of the corporation.
The script of We Will Rock You is packed full of hilarious one-liners that will have the auditorium in stitches throughout the duration of the performance. The expert delivery of humour from the incredible cast sets this musical production in line to be a very satisfying and entertaining watch.
As was to be expected, the musical numbers in this production are fantastic, with the musicians and singers failing to put a foot wrong throughout. Classic Queen songs have been expertly recreated and wonderfully supplemented with some excellent choreography from Arlene Philips, to make for a flawless presentation that’s a treat to the eyes and to the ears.
The stage itself bears a creatively complex set, filled with intricate, technological props and backdrops. The use of video is carefully slotted into the production to enhance viewing pleasure without detracting from the main focus of the performance. Subtle and satisfying lighting helps to enhance the visualisation, while incredibly detailed and suitably outrageous costume design successfully contribute to the futuristic feel of the spectacle.
We Will Rock You is a show not to be missed. Since its debut in the West End of London on May 14th, 2002, it has been an audience favourite that still consistently packs out the auditoriums. Book your tickets in advance to save disappointment on the day and prepare for adventure with this fantastically fun and thrilling musical.
The Lion King
Posted by in Theatre on September 18th, 2009
The year was 1994 when onto the scene burst Simba, Mufasa, Nala and a whole host of other Walt Disney-animated and adorable characters. The nation watched with bated breath as tragedy, romance and humour played out before their eyes in the Oscar-winning movie that appealed to children and adults alike. Now you can forget blowing the disk off the old DVD to relive the old experience by booking a visit to the theatre to enjoy the critically acclaimed West End musical adapted from the original movie.
Follow the familiar story through an outstanding array of colour, visual spectacle and moving music, from the initial rising of the curtain to its falling two and a half to three hours later. The majority of the musical will follow the original plot, though those attentive to differences may notice some additional story enhancers thrown in to heighten the experience.
Critics of the Lion King musical doubted that the colourful spectacle seen on screen could ever be recreated on the stage. They were stunned into silence with the intricately designed and colour-filled masks, puppets and costumes parading their way around the theatre.
Instead of attempting to mask all human influence in the movement of the characters on stage, the creators decided to create masks and headdresses to represent the animals. This is wonderfully combined with the skill of those portraying giraffes prancing about the place on stilts, while the hyenas control a puppet with mechanical arms and head. The culmination of this clever design is that, although you are ever-aware of the influence of humanity in the control of the animals, it does not take away from the story or overall effect of the performance.
The majority of the music for the performance was created by Sir Elton John and Tim Rice, with additional scores by other very talented musicians. Some of the songs will seem familiar to fans of the film, such as ‘Circle of Life’ and ‘The Morning Report’. These songs are well complimented by completely new offerings for the theatre production itself and, with beautiful lyrics and melodic tunes, are sure to heighten your experience.
Wonderful music is wonderfully complimented with some incredible choreography from Garth Fagan. While including animal-like movements within the dances, certain tribal elements are also incorporated to create an incredibly atmospheric situation in each and every song.
The acting itself helps to create an immersive atmosphere as you take your trip to the savannah of Africa. The cast of forty individuals don’t put a foot wrong in the production and each brings their own characteristics to the characters they portray, while keeping the authenticity of their inspiration from the movie.
The Lion King cheap tickets are often in short supply, so be sure to take advantage of advanced booking to give yourself, and your family and friends, the opportunity to fully enjoy this marvellous spectacle. You may just find yourself wanting to return again.
Mamma Mia
Posted by in Theatre on September 18th, 2009
Time to get out the old flares as you head to the theatre to enjoy the musical wonder that is Mamma Mia. Stuffed to overflowing with hit tunes from Swedish pop sensation, ABBA, this musical that pre-dates the successful movie starring Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan and will successfully transport you to the Greek island of Calicos to meet the excellent cast.
The plot of the musical Mamma Mia stems from a 20 year old woman about to walk down the aisle to be wed to her new husband. She has always longed to take that trip with her father on her arm but has no knowledge of who that might be until she sneaks a peek into her mother’s diary. Her startling discovery is revealed; there are three men that could be her father! An invitation is sent to each as she is convinced that she will be able to tell which of the men is really her father once she meets them.
As the plot plays out before your eyes you’ll be treated to a tantalising mixture of well known ABBA songs such as ‘Money, Money, Money’ and ‘Take a Chance on Me’, in fact 22 of ABBA’s most loved hits make an appearance in this musical number. The cast are truly excellent in each foray into the songs and their wonderful voices are well complimented by some great and incredibly energetic choreography from Anthony van Laast.
Although Mamma Mia is not portrayed in a sing-a-long fashion, the majority of the songs showcased are well known by the attendees who create a lively and energetic atmosphere throughout the auditorium, with whole rows clapping excitedly along in time with the music. Expect, especially toward the end of the performance, to find the entire theatre bursting into enthusiastic song in some popular tracks.
A well written script, some superb acting and, perhaps most importantly, exceptionally well placed body language and facial expressions successfully work to bring comedy to the stage. Even the most serious of people will struggle to keep a straight face due to the humour injected throughout. This humour, combined with the incredible atmosphere generated through the musical hits, make for a great and entertaining night out.
Instead of focusing on big budget sets like some popular performances today, the stage of Mamma Mia seems somewhat minimalist. The setting of the musical on a Greek island is conjured through white walls, the occasional door here and there and flights of stairs, all of which are manually manoeuvred about the stage for a change in the scene. Don’t let this simplicity put you off, however, as it works wonderfully well to create the atmosphere that is needed, while keeping ticket prices lower than other theatrical productions.
It’ll be hard to beat Mamma Mia for a fun night out, well suited to the whole family. Secure your tickets in advance so you won’t be disappointed, and enjoy the show!
Dirty Dancing
Posted by in Theatre on September 18th, 2009
‘Nobody puts Baby in the corner!’ It’s a line sure to transport any Dirty Dancing fan instantly back to the 1987 hit movie, only this time the line will be delivered from the stage in the West End of London.
Just like the movie, the setting of the theatrical production is the summer of 1963, where a 17 year old is faced with a dramatic upheaval in life through dance. On a holiday with her parents and older sister Baby soon stumbles upon a dance-party at the resort that enthrals her, birthing in her a desire to be a part of this scene herself. Holding the captive attention of the resort’s dance instructor she is launched onto a steep learning curve with dramatic consequences, both on the dance floor and off it.
The West End production follows the same path, seemingly word for word, as the original film which is sure to please diehard fans. However both those people that spent countless hours re-watching the film as a teenager, to those that have never heard of it are sure to be treated to a wonderful spectacle as some truly incredible dancing is combined with a stirring plot.
Choreography from Kate Champion helps to make this production into the sell-out sensation that it has become. Seeing couples melting together across the stage in dance with a collection of leg kicking, hip swaying and body grinding is guaranteed to stir the senses, while being understated enough for most age groups to enjoy. The performance itself is rated PG with the language apparent in the film having been removed, and any sexy scenes handled with a great degree of taste.
Familiar musical numbers are sure to stir the audience. Hearing ‘I’ve had the time of my life’ belted out from the cast is guaranteed to be met with rapturous applause. Having the cast play incredibly successfully to the audience will cause the musical scores to even more powerfully play upon the emotions of those watching the performance. Therein lies the reason why this production is certainly worth observing, while the movie itself may still join the list of all time favourites there is nothing quite like the thrill of feeling a part of the live action itself.
A revolving stage is used to great effect within the production to recreate in stunning beauty the key scenes from the Dirty Dancing film. The subtle removal and addition of the required props also helps to create a wonderful atmosphere, without drawing your attention unnecessarily to the technicalities behind the performance.
If you’re looking for a truly tantalising theatrical experience then look no further than Dirty Dancing. No matter if you’ve been a fan of the film for life or you simply like to see a great and moving story supplemented with incredible music and dance, you’re sure to enjoy the spectacle.
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