September Round Up

September was such a busy month, full of so many amazing shows (and even my first press invites, only one of them I could make unfortunately!). I feel so lucky to get these opportunities, but also to be able to see so many brilliant shows both in the North East and in London.

For Tonight, Adelphi Theatre, London - 5th September:

For this show, we were asked not do make any reviews, with it being a work-in-progress staged concert. So instead, I thought I'd just share some thoughts of my evening. It was great to see so many people, including so many people who had been included in the progress of the show, in the audience - it was packed! 

The story itself I thought was great, and its brilliant to have some more diversity on the West End stage. The cast where phenomenal, and the show has set the bar high in terms of staged concerts for me. There was so much choreography which was beautiful and really helped explain the story where there was a lack of set with it only being a staged concert.

Moulin Rouge, Piccadilly Theatre, London - 6th September:

Whilst I was in London, I thought I better get myself a ticket to see the current cast one final time before the cast change - basically I just needed to hear Jamie Muscato sing El Tango De Roxanne again. I went with my mum for a pre-birthday treat, and even as someone who will only see shows once, she actually said she would consider going to see Moulin Rouge again it was so good (this is a BIG deal!).

As always, the cast, choreography, staging, EVERYTHING, was so amazing. Every single time I am blown away by the whole production - its a spectacle and I'm not sure anything really compares to it on the West End at the moment. I will miss this cast so much (and I'm still eagerly awaiting the cast album).

Full review: https://musicalsmad.blogspot.com/2023/09/moulin-rouge-piccadilly-theatre.html

SpongeBob the Musical, Newcastle Theatre Royal - 7th September:

I was very intrigued by SpongeBob, knowing the music had been written by so many big artists! I thought it was really good fun, and found the show really funny. There was one part where I was genuinely crying with laughter at the silliest joke - it was a real tonic. The cast were great; I'm still unsure how they managed to keep that level of energy up for the whole show. I would hands down see the show again, I thought it was great.

Noises Off, Newcastle Theatre Royal - 12th September:

In all honesty, this show wasn't really for me. I thought it could have been done without the 'third act', i.e., the second half of the second act. It had a lot of old comedy in it, which much of the older audience members were LOVING it, but naturally, in the age of The Play That Goes Wrong and Mischief Comedy, it fell a little flat for both me and my partner. As I came out, I noticed a lot of the younger members of the audience saying the same thing, so I felt slightly reassured about that.

Full review: https://musicalsmad.blogspot.com/2023/09/review-jesus-christ-superstar-at.html

I, Daniel Blake, Northern Stage, Newcastle - 16th September:

This was my second time seeing I, Daniel Blake, after catching it in previews in May, and I think it broke me even more this time round. I know the cast have the passion to do this show, knowing what it is like growing up in the North East and the deprivation that exists here. This added to the current economic and political climate really does make them best placed to tell this story. Still, even knowing the fire that these performers have, I don't know how they manage to do the show every single day without totally breaking down.

The stage adaptation has been updated to 2023, though the original film still remains all too true in today's age also. It is without a doubt one of the most moving pieces of theatre I've ever seen, and would recommend it to everyone.

Full review: https://musicalsmad.blogspot.com/2023/09/review-i-daniel-blake-at-northern-stage.html

Jesus Christ Superstar, Newcastle Theatre Royal - 26th September:

The final show of September, and WHAT A SHOW! Jesus Christ Superstar is my absolute guilty pleasure musical, and it had been nearly a decade since I had last seen it. I absolutely loved the modern twist on it, and thought the choreography really helped to carry the story along.

Hands down I'll be booking to see this at another stop on the tour.

Full review: https://musicalsmad.blogspot.com/2023/09/review-noises-off-newcastle-theatre.html

Now just roll on a very quiet October (but I'm hoping in between university, I'll be able to squeeze in a few more theatre trips!).

My Instagram - come say hi!: @musicals.mad