The best advice I can give you for Cirque Du Soleil’s Kurios is, leave all sense of reality, understanding and logical explanation at the entrance of the Royal Albert Hall, for this visual spectacle defies and challenges all aspects of any logic or expectations you have, on every level.
Mates blogger: Caroline Hanks-Farmer
Caroline Hanks-Farmer is one of over 45 theatre bloggers who are part of the MyTheatreMates collective. This page features Caroline's posts on MyTheatreMates. Take a look at our full list of theatre bloggers and our aggregated feed of all our Mates' posts. We’re always looking for new theatre bloggers. Could that be you? Learn about how to join us.
Having been a performer for many years, Caroline knows first hand how much the support of a good audience is valued, appreciated and needed. She is passionate about all performing art, but has a particular interest in new writing and Off-West End productions. Having reviewed for other publications, she set up her website, Carn’s Theatre Passion, to provide more exposure for these areas, as well as news, views, interviews and information on all stage-related matters.
The latest from Caroline on MyTheatreMates
‘It really is the best history lesson you’ll ever experience’: SIX THE MUSICAL – Vaudeville Theatre ★★★★★
I kicked my theatre year off with a press/media night for the sensational Six The Musical. It’s been 18 months since I last experienced this rapid history lesson of Henry VIII’s wives and my goodness I’ve missed it.
‘The rhythm is gonna get you’: ON YOUR FEET! – West End ★★★
On Your Feet! isn’t perfect and isn’t up there with band bios like Jersey Boys or Sunny Afternoon but ultimately resistance is futile because the rhythm is gonna get you.
‘It’s rather a case of a good cast in search of a better show’: MAN OF LA MANCHA – West End ★★★
Despite the best efforts of Kelsey Grammer in the lead role, this leaden and often down right confusing revival of Man of La Mancha at the London Coliseum is unlikely to give the show new impetus on this side of the pond.
‘Nothing short of phenomenal’: GEORGE – Eventim Apollo ★★★★★
If you have an opportunity to catch Rob Lamberti in action do so, his performance is truly outstanding and a fitting tribute to the legend that was George Michael.
‘A West End experience on your own doorstep’: JERSEY BOYS – Touring ★★★★★
My regular readers will know that I’m a huge fan of the West End show Jersey Boys. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen it, but I know it’s in triple figures. This week my favourite four red-jacketed boys returned to Southampton, which is sadly their last venue on this tour.
‘Colourful, vibrant sassy night out’: 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL – West End ★★★
9 To 5 the Musical is based on 20th Century Fox’s picture and was originally produced on Broadway by Robert Greenblatt in April 2009. It’s written by Patricia Resnik, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton.
‘Something truly special’: SIX – Arts Theatre ★★★★★(★)
A brief but hugely memorable history lesson awaits you at the Arts Theatre. Sexy, sassy, sensational, seductive, stunning and superb, are just Six ways that you can describe this show and its awesome cast.
‘Your sensory organs are driven to overload’: THE GREAT EXPEDITION – Secret location ★★★★★
I would encourage you and a group of friends to book yourself an experience of The Grand Expedition – you won’t regret it.
‘Best feel-good life-affirming show I think I have ever seen’: COME FROM AWAY – West End ★★★★★
Come From Away tells the incredible true story of how the residents of Gander, Newfoundland welcomed the 7,000 passengers of planes from around the world, due to the American air space being closed after 9/11.
‘Totally gripping’: THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN – Touring ★★★★
If you missed the phenomenon of Paula Hawkins’ best-selling novel in 2015, you now have the perfect opportunity to jump on the band wagon with this new thrilling play adaptation of The Girl on the Train.
‘Some new twists to a familiar tale’: BEAUTY & THE BEAST – Touring ★★★
David Bintley, artistic director since 1995, who is sadly retiring from the Birmingham Royal Ballet this summer choreographed this production of Beauty & the Beast, first staged in 2003.
‘Bowled over by the layers to this show’: AMERICAN IDIOT – Touring ★★★★
My advice is if you like Green Day don’t you be an idiot, book now to see this production of American Idiot before it’s too late.
‘MJ’s vision of spectacular entertainment shines through’: THRILLER LIVE – West End ★★★★★
There are now a few reviews of Thriller Live on my website and all are unanimous – this is an entertaining extravaganza that any Michael Jackson fan would be mad to miss seeing.
‘A moving & powerful concert’: THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY – West End & Touring ★★★★
Using state of the art video projection, contemporary newsreel footage, TV commercials, incredible concert-style lighting and a full live brass ensemble The Simon & Garfunkel Story is a moving and powerful concert.
‘Crazy, cheesy, raucous comedy at its best’: BENIDORM LIVE – Touring ★★★★★
Award-winning ITV comedy show’s series creator and writer Derren Litten is bringing Benidorm’s signature sunshine and shenanigans to theatres across the UK and Ireland.
‘Excellent, thoughtful & enjoyable production’: SOLDIER ON – The Other Palace ★★★★
Soldier On reminds us that, whilst the memory of those conflicts has faded from the front pages, the price is still being paid, the grief and horror of what occurred made new and raw every day by the re-experiencing nightmare of PTSD.
INTERVIEW: Spotlight On… Full Monty star Gary Lucy & director Rupert Hill
The Full Monty heads to Southampton from 11 to 16 February next year. Recently I caught up with the cast, including star Gary Lucy, and director Rupert Hill and we had a chat.
‘It’s rare to see something as iconic & groundbreaking’: COMPANY – West End ★★★★★
Where to start on something that is so perfect that it defies belief, for, Company is the very definition of perfection in my opinion. From the opening to the closing moment time just flashes by, such are the performances delivered by the whole cast.
‘Entertaining, funny & heartwarming’: THE MIDNIGHT GANG – Chichester Festival Theatre ★★★★★
David Walliams has an incredible talent of telling stories of normal, everyday children who achieve remarkable things in the face of adversity, with a fair amount of gross humour and giggles thrown in – The Midnight Gang is no exception.