MOTOWN THE MUSICAL

From the moment we sat down we were dancing in our seats from beginning to end, I didn't even want it to stop for the interval.

I have always loved Motown music and have been lucky enough to have seen the Temptations, The Four Tops and The Drifters so I just knew this West End musical was going to hit all the right buttons.

It tells the story of Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records. We learn how he broke barriers, his personal relationships and how he launched the careers of legendary artists such as Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinsons and the Miracles and many more. There are of course also the lows as well as the highs. It features over 50 hits including My Girl, What's Going on, Dancing in the Street and Reet Petite.

The colourful and fast moving scenery took us back to the 60's and 70's. The very talented and energetic cast were incredible especially Cordell Mosteller who played Berry Gordy and Karis Anderson as Diana Ross. Carlo Brathwaite stole the show for me though as the young Michael Jackson, his stage presence, singing and dancing were all amazing. There were gasps from the audience when he came on.

It's so fantastic to have shows touring to our beautiful Regent Theatre in Stoke so book your tickets to see Motown The Musical before the end of the week!
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/motown-the-musical/regent-theatre/

FAME

Growing up in the 80's and attending regular dance classes, I was a big fan of the TV show 'Fame' which followed the lives of students at a Performing Arts School in New York. The Musical version was all-singing, all-dancing but with the highs and lows of the issues young people suffer today:- prejudice, identity, pride, sexuality, substance abuse and pride.

It wasn't a great start to opening night due to an electrical fault but it was soon resolved and we were back in the 80's donning our leg warmers.

It was colourful and enthralling when the big dance scenes kicked in, there was so much energy on the stage. Jorgie Porter (Hollyoaks & Dancing On Ice) showed off her impressive dancing, her connection with Jamal Crawford was sensual. Mica Paris played Principal, Miss Sherman, her voice was strong and powerful and gave me goosebumps.

There were many side stories and we got to know all the characters and their issues. The final song 'FAME' performed by Stephanie Rojas was amazing, the whole audience was up on their feet.

It's on until Saturday 20th April go to the link to book your tickets!
https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/regent-theatre/

WAR HORSE LIVE

As a family we read the book War Horse by Michael Morpugo and watched the film in preparation for the stage production. I had heard nothing but good reviews of all 3, to see it come alive with puppets was spectacular and captivating. You don't need to have seen the film or have read the book to appreciate the show though as the story is slightly adapted which gave us another topic to discuss on the way home.

The story is set in 1914 and is about the friendship between Albert and his horse Joey who he reared from a foal, they share a special bond which is heart-warming. Albert's father sells his horse to the British Army to support the troops in France, Albert joins the army to go in search of his equine friend.

We were provided with tissues and told to expect tears, for me, there were so many poignant moments in the story and I did need the tissue! The horses were realistic and with their life-like sound effects I soon forgot they were puppets and controlled by people.

There were many 'jumpy' moments so do bear in mind if taking younger children, it is set in the war so I should've expected them really. The scenery was simple but effective, the interactive screen was spectacular.

Yesterday was National Theatre Day, I was asked which was my favourite theatre performance, it's a real tricky question but after seeing War Horse I think it is definitely up there as one of the best.

It's on until the end of the week at The Regent Theatre, book early to avoid disappointment
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/war-horse/regent-theatre/

TOM GATES LIVE ON STAGE!

When my now 11 year old, Luke was 7 or 8 he was never a keen reader, so when a friend recommended the Tom Gates books he was enthusiastic and turned into a little bookworm. He also enjoyed replicating the doodles and also introduced him to Caramel wafers!

I was intrigued to see how the books would be transformed onto the stage, I did have a quick read of  a few chapters of one of the books and got the gist of the main characters but you don't need to have read the books as it is a brand new story from the producers of Horrible Histories and Gangsta Granny.

The interactive set was fantastic, so engaging and cleverly done, the doodles were a big part of  the scenery. The car journey was impressive!

Tom is played by Matthew Chase who brings humour to the main character and shows off his talent as lead singer of the Zombie Dogs. Matthew Gordon is best friend, Derek as well as the very comical Grandad, classmates were played by Amy Hargreaves and Ashley Cousins who also doubled up as moody sister, Delia and Granny.

The show is suitable for all ages, there was a great buzz when we left the Crewe Lyceum theatre.

There are still tickets available until Saturday 2nd March, book now to avoid disappointment

https://crewelyceum.co.uk/Online/tickets-tom-gates-crewe-2018

ROBIN HOOD AT THE REGENT THEATRE

As a parent I love making memories for Luke and his friend's and last night I think I was successful. We went to the wonderful Regent Theatre in Stoke to see Robin Hood with Jonathan Wilkes and Christian Patterson. It is Wilkes' 13th Year and this year he donned 'tight' green tights as he played the cheeky Robin Hood. It is Patterson's 10th performance in Stoke and Luke was surprised to see him dressed as a man this year, Friar Tuck...well at least for the beginning. They have great banter and the delivery of one liners is hilarious and so many well timed innuendos. The 3D show was fantastic but slightly frightening for young children.

Kai Owen was cast as this year's baddie, the Sheriff of Stokingham, his rendition of 'Bat of Hell was superb. The other members of the cast Little John (Pete Bonner), Will Scarlet (Delme Thomas), The Spirit of Sherwood (Rebecca Lisewski) and Maid Marion (Finley Guy) added a perfect balance of song, dance and humour.

The verdict of our favourite part was the '12 days of Christmas', and even hubby joined in with singing 'S-T-O-K-E'.

We will never tire of our family time at the Panto and we are already looking forward to 2019. If you get chance to see Robin Hood, it's on until 6th January, it is definitely worth a visit.

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/robin-hood/regent-theatre/

NATIVITY THE MUSICAL

If I wasn't feeling Christmassy before tonight then I certainly am now after seeing 'Nativity The Musical'. I can honestly say it has got to be one of the best shows I've seen and Luke agreed. We saw the first and second movies together on Christmas Eve a few years ago so it was only right that he came with me to see the theatre show. 

The creator, Debbie Isitt made this feel-good movie into an adapted stage version. It was hilariously funny and entertaining with lots of singing and dancing. 

It's based at St Bernadette's School who are attempting to put on a Christmas show, their teacher Mr Maddens (Scott Garnham) promises that a Hollywood producer (played by Adam Thomas) will come to see the show. The new teaching Assistant, the crazy and very funny Mr Poppy (Simon Lipkin) brings the 'Sparkle and Shine' and puts on a phenomenal show. Luke and I laughed so much during the first half especially at the auditions, some parts were true to the movie and all the children were fantastic.

The scenery and costume changes were quick and impressive and it was like being transported from place to place. So many catchy tunes including some original hits Sparkle and Shine, Nazareth, One Night One Moment and She's the Brightest Star. 

It's a great show and I would highly recommend to see it with the whole family, every child wants a teacher like Mr Poppy!

To book tickets go to https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/nativity-the-musical/regent-theatre/

THE FULL MONTY

What better way to spend a Monday night than to go to The Regent theatre and watch 6 men do The Full Monty?

It was an absolutely brilliant production based on one of Britain's most successful films about 6 out-of-work steelworkers from Sheffield who decide to put on a show for one night only.

The show was filled with laughter and had a real feel-good feeling, however there were also serious themes including unemployment, poverty, depression, sexuality equality and body image.

Gary Lucy plays the cheeky and loveable Gaz along Kai Owen is his best friend Dave. Other big names include Andrew Dunn, Louis Emerick, James Redmond and Joe Gill. The scenery was stunning and it was like being transported to Sheffield.

It was very true to the film and most enjoyable giving lots of laughs and screams from the audience.