THRILLER LIVE is THRILLING!!

This was my second time seeing the show and it did not disappoint. It's a spectacular live music event celebrating the career of the world's greatest entertainer. It takes you on a visual and electrifying journey of Michael's 40 year musical history.

It was 2 hours of non-stop hits including I want you back, ABC, Can you feel it, Smooth Criminal, Beat it, Billie Jean, Dirty Diana. Thriller and lots more.

The Lead singers Britt Quentin, Rory Taylor, Shaquille Hemmans and Adraina Louise were effortless and all sounded like the real deal. The production was entertaining and colourful. However, Sean Christopher had us mesmerised with his dance moves and his exact representation of the King of Pop.

The Thriller Live band were phenomenal and led by Andy Jeffcoat, Musical Director. The guitar break in Dirty Diana was definitely impressive too.

The whole audience were up and out of their seats at the end, it was such a good feeling being uplifted by the music of this incredible icon. If you are a fan of Michael Jackson's music, then Thriller Live is a must!

HAPPY 10th BIRTHDAY

In 2007 my life changed forever, not only did I become a mummy to Luke, but I also became a Mumpreneur. I bought a franchise for Baby Sign called Hullabaloo Kids and did my first class in 2008. Unfortunately the franchise wasn't legit and after 10 months or so the other franchisees and my self decided to break away and go it alone.

It was the best thing I ever did and although I didn't have the support of the other Franchisees we managed to stick together through social media. Year on year I added extra strings to my bow, Tippy Toes Toddler Dance, Party Entertainment, Facepainting and then Zumba for adults and Kids.

This year is my 10th year of trading so on the 14th January I decided to hold a party celebrate my achievement and invite families from past and present to come along so I could say Thank you. It was so lovely to see all the children who had attended my classes, I did my best to remember most of their names, I don't think I forgot anyone! We had a bouncy castle and a magician who kept the children entertained. So many people had donated prizes for a tombola and raffle and we managed to raise £157.00 for the SMA Trust.

Monies raised will go towards funding vital research into a cure for and treatments for Spinal Muscular Atrophy. It's a genetic neuromuscular condition which causes severe muscle weakness affecting crawling, walking, arm, hand and neck movement and breathing and swallowing. It is a cause close to my heart as my cousin's daughter, Jade has this condition. I am pleased we were able to raise awareness and raise some much needed funds.

From the bottom of my heart I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who attended and for always supporting my little business. I did mention my husband, Mark who has allowed me to do this and support me in my crazy new ventures.
I absolutely love what I do and I really do have the best job in the world. Here's to the next 10 years!!

ALADDIN

I remember last year saying the panto at the Regent Theatre, Stoke was the best one yet..... I was wrong... I think this year's is definitely the best one I've seen.

It was funny, entertaining and the 3D element was just magical. Jonathan Wilkes (Aladdin) and Christian Patterson (Widow Twanky) co-directors and hilarious comedy duo had both children and adults laughing. So many innuendos that Luke ended up laughing at just because we were!

The dancers were energetic and acrobatic such a delight to watch. The scenery was glittery and colourful and the 3D genie was totally out of this world. Scherezade was played by the stunning and very lovable Amanda Coutts, those abs were to die for! Yazmin Wood played Princess Jasmine had a beautiful voice and had great chemistry with Aladdin. Abanazer (Kai's Owen) was this year's baddie, we particularly liked it when they went off script and got the giggles. Emperor Ming played by Simon Nehan was also hilarious.

There was no '12 days of Christmas' this year but still lots of slapstick humour.

We thoroughly enjoyed it and as always gets us in the mood for Christmas. Well done to all the cast and crew for this spectacular performance. And lovely to hear that Beryl Smith is still going strong!

If you haven't booked tickets already go to 

http://m.atgtickets.com/shows/aladdin/regent-theatre/

THE BAND MUSICAL

When I met my husband back in 1996 the spare room in my house was dedicated to Take That, a real shrine, I had posters on all 4 walls as well as the ceiling. (I can't believe I just admitted that or that he actually married me!)

I am a self obsessed fan and was very excited that their music was being featured in a Musical, written by Olivier Award winning Tim Firth. They are Britain's Most Successful boy band of all time and the show includes Never Forget, Back for Good, A Million Love songs, Relight my fire and Rule the world, plus lots more. The winners of BBC's Let it Shine, Five to Five play the Band. 

The Band is not about the story of Gary, Robbie, Mark, Jason and Howard and how they formed Take That, but about 5 16 year old girls in 1992 who's lives centre around the Band and their music. They are reunited 25 years later and try and fulfil their dream of meeting their heroes. There are many laughs and tears along the way.

It was a thrilling performance with lots of laughs, tears and a great story line, the finale had us out of our seats dancing and singing along to some classic Take That Hits. The scenery, set and staging were sensational along with lots of quick changes too. 

The cast who played the excitable teenagers were talented, great singers and their rendition of Relight my fire was incredible. The 'mature' cast had us in stitches and all very likeable in their own way.

The 5 boys did not disappoint either, they belted out our favourites sounding very true to the originals and also brilliant dancers too.

My only disappointment was none of Take That joined them on stage for the finale as in recent towns, especially as its Robbie's hometown. I think I would have actually passed out!

Anyone who has ever grown up with a boy band will relate to this fantastic Musical. Don't miss your chance to see it in our beautiful Regent Theatre, Stoke. 

Click on the link to get your tickets today at the Regent Theatre you will not be disappointed!

A NIGHT OF DIRTY DANCING - CREWE LYCEUM

In my eyes Dirty Dancing is the Ultimate feel good movie, it has great songs, romance and lots of dancing. Last night I spent the evening at the beautiful Crewe Lyceum watching 'A Night of Dirty Dancing', the ultimate tribute show.

I didn't know what to expect but the show had its own storyline and also retold the original story. Baby and Johnny were sizzling on stage, one of the scenes was very sexy! The dancing was brilliant and I know how tricky it is to dance on that stage, the steep is horrendous! The leads were strong with their solo songs and had the audience hooked till the end.  There was lots of banter with the audience and especially when there was a technical fault with the lights. 2 of the cast did so well ad-libbing to keep us entertained. 

The show was comical and entertaining and it was a great way to spend a rainy Wednesday evening.

It was a must-see for any Dirty Dancing fan! Go to the fanpage on Facebook for more details:-

https://www.facebook.com/ANightOfDirtyDancing/?fref=ts

AWFUL AUNTIE LIVE ON STAGE

Luke has always loved the David Walliams books, we read Demon Dentist together but he generally reads the books with daddy. As I knew I was coming to see Awful Auntie I thought I'd better speed read it myself and finished it in 3 days. I went with two 10 year olds and his biggest fans, it was nice to hear them discussing how it would be portrayed on stage.

The story is set in Saxby Hall owned by Lord and Lady Saxby and their 12 year old daughter Stella. After a visit to London with her parents, Stella wakes up to find her 'Awful' Aunt Alberta is caring for her and that her life is in danger. With the help of a ghost and a very large owl Stella fights for her life and manages to outwit her Aunt.

The larger than life Awful Auntie was played by Timothy Speyer, he was a comical but also quite menacing at times. The scene where Stella and Soot played tricks on Aunt Alberta was slapstick and had us belly-laughing.

Georgina Leonidas played Stella Saxby, Luke was most excited that she had been in the Harry Potter movies and also voiced a part in the video game. The banter between the posh young lady and 'cockney' Soot (Ashley Cousins) was funny and they had great chemistry. The revolving scenery and the car chase was absolutely fantastic.

Aunt Alberta's sidekick was Wagner the Owl, he was a life-like puppet controlled by Roberta Bellekom. Gibbon the butler was Richard James, he is exactly how I had imagined him to be from the book. We giggled as soon as he walked onto the stage as we knew he was going to do something ludicrously funny.

Birmingham Stage Company did a fantastic job and Neal Foster captured all the elements of the book and there was only a few adaptations which we reviewed on the journey home. I can't remember the last time I saw something at the theatre without them breaking out into a song and dance. Maybe that is something Mr Walliams might consider doing next! Mr Stink the Musical perhaps?

Click on this link for tickets to the Regent Theatre, its on until the Saturday and its less than 2 hours with an interval so not a late night for the little ones.

FLASHDANCE - WHAT A FEELING!

I grew up in the 80's and love anything to do with the 80's. As a dancer I absolutely fell in love with Flashdance - The Movie when I saw it for the first time.  

The story is of an 18-year old welder, Alex Owens, who's dream is to go to dance school, her evening stint dancing in Harry's Bar does not fulfil her so she is encouraged by her best friend, Gloria to audition. It features the songs "Flashdance... What a Feeling", "Maniac", "Manhunt", "Gloria" and "I Love Rock and Roll".

Joanne Clifton plays Alex, anyone who's a Strictly Come Dancing fan knows she won last year with Ore Oduba and also the Christmas Special with Harry Judd. She is a truly amazing dancer but I wasn't aware she had such a magnificent singing voice and superb acting skills too. I'm always apprehensive when I know the performers have to put on an American accent but  Joanne and the whole of the cast were flawless.

Ben Adams plays Nick Hurley, Alex's love interest and Boss's son. Adams was the lead singer of pop group A1 (who I saw on tour a few years ago!) The chemistry between the two was sizzling and they made a very convincing couple. 

The ensemble had many different roles including change of character, costume changes and also doubled up as stage hands. Scenery was switched around the stage creating clever backdrops. The dancing was phenomenal and entertaining.

It is a heartwarming story with a very strong dance routines and emotional songs. It had us up on our feet clapping along to the reprise.

Flashdance  is on until Saturday 30th September. Go to http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/flashdance/regent-theatre/ to buy your tickets now