As an entertainment and lifestyle blogger, I’m always asked about my favourites, especially when I interview performers and creatives, so here goes.
A few of my favourite things…
As an entertainment and lifestyle blogger, I’m always asked about my favourites, especially when I interview performers and creatives, so here goes.
‘A rollicking ride of a comedic opera’: FALSTAFF – Garsington Opera ★★★★★
If you’re not an opera aficionado, this is a perfect introduction to Italian Opera, the comedy element alone offers insight into the synopsis.
‘Try to beg, borrow or steal a ticket’: IOLANTHE – London Coliseum ★★★★
Before the curtain opened, we were entertained by the sarcasm and wit of Captain Shaw (Clive Mantle) who appeared as the resident Fireman, his job being to undo the pyrotechnical mayhem caused by the Queen of the Fairies’ wand.
THE BARBER OF SEVILLE – London Coliseum ★★★★★
A starry home team enthusiastically play up the comedy. Sarah Tynan is one of ENO’s most technically perfect sopranos but she’s also their wittiest actress and her Rosina is effortlessly sung and enjoyably mettlesome.
More about a mate: meet Break A Leg’s Helen McWilliams
It’s a rarity indeed when I take to my own blog to speak of all things Break A Leg but I felt that after four years of nurturing my labour of love and the new step that I’ve taken – it was time to say a big HELLO to all of my lovely supporters and followers.
CAROUSEL – Touring
Opera North’s production of Rodger and Hammerstein’s Carousel is a curious combination of drama, dance and song that on occasion both hits and misses the mark.
Meant to be a story about love, loss and redemption, this version feels more like a story about anger, resentment and possibly the glorification of domestic abuse.
Opening on a busy fairground scene, we meet the protagonists of the tale: fairground barker Billy Bigelow played by Keith Higham and millworker Julie Jordon, played by Gillene Butterfield. Among the magic of the carousel – and it really is a magical and stunningly visual set designed by Anthony Ward – Billy and Julie seemingly fall in love, losing both of their jobs in the process.