Monthly Archives: October 2017

Cabaret.

Musical

Saturday 21st October 2017, and onto my second show of the day, with a quick trip across Cardiff to the New Theatre, in the heart of the city, for an evening performance of ‘Cabaret’. Again, this is another show I have never seen, even the various films released I have been oblivious to, but this promises to be brilliant, with its casting of Louise Redknapp (Sally Bowles) and Will Young (Emcee), we have two actors with great singing voices, in the lead roles. I also note that Fraulein Schneider will be played by another fabulous actress in Susan Penhaligon.

Oh my god what a superb show, so impressed, the music, the singing, the theatrics, just oozes fabulousness. Really glad I managed to get a ticket for this sold out production.  Louise and Will are just brilliant, with Charles Hagerty as Clifford Bradshaw making a superb triple. The whole cast are just fabulous, and just make this show so  watchable. 

The ending was so harrowing, really putting into place the events of the past in Germany of old. I must admit to a few tears at that point, so brilliantly done with such dramatism. Has to be one of the best shows I’ve seen in my short history of watching great theatre.

 Slava’s Snowshow.

Uncategorized

Saturday 21st October 2017, and the first of my two shows today, kicks off with a visit to the Millenium Centre in Cardiff Bay, for a matinee performance of ‘Slava’s Snowshow’. This is an opportunity for me to see something completely different and unique. I’ve heard many good reports from people who have seen this at other venues, not sure what to expect but usually I have a good reaction to everything I see. 

A two hour show, with some great background music to support the clown activities. A bit of comedy, some really beautiful moments sprinkled into this act. A bit dark in places,which a few of the kids in the audience didn’t really get. Spectacular finale with storms, snow and huge balloons to end festivities, which the kids found fascinating. Not a bad afternoons entertainment, although I don’t think it’s a younger kids show, too many darker moments mixed in with lighter times, for a younger audience. 

Die Fledermaus (4th Performance).

Opera

Saturday 14th October 2017, and after my superb break in Belfast, visiting Amy and Gareth, I’m back in Cardiff Bay, at the Millenium Centre, for an extra performance of ‘Die Fledermaus’ from the WNO. The final opera of the season, also bringing an end to this years offerings from the company, as the tour moves on from its base in Cardiff. It’s been a fantastic year for the WNO, with some exceptional Opera productions along the way. Looking forward to next years choices already.

Having seen three brilliant productions back in the summer, it’s nice to have it back for one last time.  There are some cast changes for this performance as Rosalinda is played by Judith Howarth, Prince Orlofsky by Anna Harvey, and Colonel Frank played by James Cleverton.

Yet again another masterful performance from the WNO. The singing, the chorus, the orchestra coupled with the comic talents of Steve Speirs, made this a fabulous nights entertainment. Look forward to many more next year.

The Addams Family (6th performance).

Musical

Saturday 7th October 2017, and a special treat for me today. I’m taking Gareth and Amy (my Son and Daughter in law), to a performance of ‘The Addams Family’ at the Belfast Grand Opera House. Another chance to see this wonderful musical, and also to share my enjoyment of shows with my kids, while visiting them in Carrickfergus. 

This show is amazing, with all the Cardiff cast in place , only one change, with the brilliant Scott Paige playing ‘Uncle Festa’ instead of the also brilliant ‘Les Dennis’.  The singing is once again superb, with Carrie Hope Fletcher leading the way with her stunning voice, as usual, although the show contains many fabulous voices throughout, as I’ve said in previous blogs. 

I never really noticed until tonight how family values dominate this musical, until Amy pointed this out to me in the interval, and I had an even greater respect for this show upon its finale. Amy and Gareth totally love it, and I’m glad they do, it really makes me feel so good that they get to see what I see in these fabulous show nights. I have been to this theatre twice now, it’s quite impressive, and have seen two great shows in the process.