All posts by deanhbarnard

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About deanhbarnard

My name is Dean Barnard I live in Newport and work in Cwmbran. I am a huge fan of the theatre and visit The Millenium centre and other venues in Cardiff weekly to see shows and concerts. I have started writing review blogs about what a I like of the shows I have seen.

The Red Shoes.

Dance/Ballet

Saturday 18th March 2017, and after a two week break (although it felt like a year, with no show) I’m back at the Millenium Centre in Cardiff Bay for two performances of Matthew Bourne’s The Red Shoes. I’m so looking forward to this, I’m a big fan of his work, having seen the last few touring shows at the Centre, which were totally brilliant. From the reviews I’ve seen for this I expect I’ll be thouroughly engrossed for both performances. The show has been nominated for two Olivier awards for its run at Sadlers Wells, so good luck for that too.

So impressed with this show, the cast were immense, the set and lighting were excellent, beautiful costumes enhanced the stage production and the music was superb. The whole show was just phenomenal. I couldn’t keep my eyes off the stage for even a split second. It was so graceful and beautiful I have to say I managed a few tears in various sections throughout the whole performance.

Ashley Shaw as Victoria Page and Chris Trenfield as Julian Craster are just magnificent, with Sam Archer as Boris Lermontov, Liam Mower as Ivan Boleslawsky and Anjali Mehra as Irina Boronskaja also dancing to perfection. During the group dances it was difficult to focus on one dancer,as everyone in the whole cast just put in tremendous performances, culminating at the end of act one with the totally entrancing Ballet of the Red Shoes. This was so beautifully choreographed it brought a tear to my eyes (as usual), mainly due to the fact I couldn’t stop watching Ashley (and Cordelia for the evening) with her magnificent dancing, costume and the wonderful Red Shoes. For me the highlight of the whole show.

A few changes for the evening performance with Cordelia Braithwaite as Victoria and Nicole Kabera as Irana. And may I say both of them were just superb, as you would expect. The performances today were both so graceful and beautiful at the same time, and I still had tears in my eyes for both.

Matthew Bourne has once again put on a fabulous show, my only complaint is that I wish it was longer. I could have sat and watched all day. I’m glad I have got the opportunity to watch it again this evening (thinking about it, I say this after every show). 

I’m now starting to enjoy all forms of live theatre, I’ve fallen in love with Opera, Ballet, plays and of course Musicals. I’m at the stage of my theatrical experience where I can now profess to wanting to watch everything I possibly can. With so many quality shows coming to Cardiff over the next few years, I’m so spoilt for choice. 

The wedding Singer.

Musical

Saturday 4th March 2017, and its back to Cardiff for two performances of the Wedding Singer, this time at the New Theatre in Cardiff City Centre. Another musical I have not seen before, not even the film version, so yet another new show to improve my theatrical viewing experience. 

This musical, set in the mid eighties has a great cast list, with the likes of Jon Robyns (Robbie Hart), Cassie Compton (Julia Sullivan), Ray Quinn (Glen Gulia), Ruth Maddox (Rosie) and Roxanne Pallett (Holly) to name a few, with a brilliant line up from the ensemble, who always perform at the highest level, whatever show you watch. Once again the voices on show today were incredible, Jon, Cassie and Roxanne, I have to say were just superb, but then again so was everyone else, it’s hard to name anyone that didn’t do justice to the show. 

Every scene had something to marvel at. So well put together and just great to watch, everything seemed to flow gracefully into the next, but as usual it all went to quick (for me that is), I found myself not wanting it to end, just wishing I could carry on watching all night.

As well as fabulous voices, I have to commend the choreography, with some great dance routines intermingled throughout the whole musical. A great score too, with songs I’ve never heard before, but with that fabulous 80’s themes, reminding me of my days growing up, and that brilliant music of the era. The band in the pit were excellent, and always deserve a mention whenever I get the chance. A light show to be proud of to go with it, again with that 80’s theme, when lights and the best dance music of any era ruled the disco scene.

A great mix of comedy, dancing and exceptional singing really makes this an excellent show. I didn’t think I would enjoy this as much as the others I’ve seen, but I have to say this was brilliant. I’m so glad I managed to see this twice, and as usual could have seen it more than that. (I think I’ve now said that last phrase for every single show I’ve seen, and long may that little nugget of information continue for a long while yet). 

It really makes the end of the week such a wonderful time for me, to be able to watch brilliant live shows at a local theatre, so close to home, (I think I may have mentioned this a few times before)  I just want to see everything while I’m able to. A truly brilliant musical which I will definitely be back to watch next time around.

Pride and Prejudice.

Play

Saturday 25th February 2017 and another show at the Millenium Centre in Cardiff Bay. This time a play ‘Pride and Prejudice’ from the pen of author Jane Austen. This is another new experience for me, I have not watched many plays live on stage, so I’m not sure what to expect from today’s performance. 

So onto tonight’s show, and yet again what a fabulous play. All of the cast were just brilliant, with magnificent performances from Tafline Steen as Elizabeth Bennet, Felicity Montagu as mrs Bennet, Benjamin Dilloway as Mr Darcy, Matthew Kelly as Mr Bennet and Steven Meo as the hilariously funny Mr Collins. I was also very impressed with the vocabulary throughout the play. As with a typical period drama every word was clear and precise from all the members of the cast. So good to listen to the way people spoke to each other without mumbling or swearing.

There was a good mix of drama and comedy throughout and the odd tear as well (especially towards the end as Elizabeth and Darcy finally get together). Steven Meo (mr Collins) was magnificent with his overstated bow and comic lines.

The set and lighting for the production were also really good, with all the action centred around a revolving stage which served as the houses and gardens as the scenes progressed. May I also say this was beautifully produced, with so many highlights dotted throughout the whole performance, I couldn’t fault anything, it was just magnificent.

I have to say that I believe that any stage production is far superior to any film or TV show that has been made. The thrill of sitting in a luxurious theatre (like the Millenium Centre) watching the drama unfold in front of you, live and unrecorded, makes one feel alive and without a care in the world. That’s how I get by week by week, watching fabulous entertainment. And tonight’s serving was no exception, just wish I could have seen this a few more times (I always say this), it was just superb. I may have repeated myself a few times tonight in my blog, but when you see something that moves you so much, the odd repetitive theme is necessary to describe just how good this play actually was.

Madam Butterfly (4th performance).

Opera

Saturday 18th February 2017, and would you believe it, I’m back at the Millenium Centre in Cardiff Bay, for my 4th performance of the WNO production of Madam Butterfly. For tonight’s opera we have Karah Son and Jonathan Burton returning as Cio-Cio-San and Pinkerton. I have been greatly impressed by all four of these leading ladies and gents, with each of them giving stand out performances at all occasions I’ve visited

My last few blogs have concentrated on how amazingly brilliant the female leads have been, with Karah, Linda and Rebecca outstanding on every performance I’ve seen so far. So I’m moving onto the male leads today.

As the curtain rises, we have Goro played by Simon Crosby Buttle with Lieutenant Pinkerton played by Jonathan Burton (for last nights  performance Paul Charles Clark played this role). Followed on by David Kempster as Sharpless (the American Consul). Again I was very impressed with the singing voices these gentlemen generated throughout the opera. Mixing well with the female cast members to produce some wonderful tones as the opera progresses. With a good mix of musical ranges (Simon and Jonathan as the two tenors and David a baritone), we have a great opportunity to listen to these performers sing their hearts out. And I must say they do just that.

I also have to mention the WNO Chorus, whose members fill in the rest of the cast, and again are so brilliant in everything they achieve on stage, adding some wonderful harmonies to proceedings, especially in the first act, as we meet Cio-Cio-san’s relatives etc at the wedding party. I’ve always said the chorus of the WNO have to be one of the best you’ll ever hear when visiting any opera company, and they’ve never proved me wrong so far.

Another mention has to go to the wonderful Orchestra of the WNO, who are just phenomenal every time they play. I think I must have mentioned this fact a million times. They also have to be one of the best Orchestras around at this moment in time, playing to near perfection at every opportunity. 

An amazing season of top class opera, which I have enjoyed immensely. I’ve heard some fabulous voices throughout, just beautiful. Tonight, as well, is the last opera performance at the Millenium Centre before the whole season goes on tour. I feel very lucky to have been able to enjoy so many performances of Madam Butterfly and La Boheme while they have been camped at the centre. So I’m looking forward to more offerings at the Centre for the next season in May/June 2017.

Madam Butterfly (3rd performance).

Opera

Friday 17th February 2017, another day off work for a visit to Cardiff Bay, and the Millenium Centre for my 3rd performance of the WNO production of Madam Butterfly.  A really beautiful opera, that’s packed with amazing voices and a wonderful score, (played to perfection by the brilliant WNO Orchestra).

For tonight’s performance we have the role of Cio-Cio-San (Madam Butterfly) played by Linda Richardson. With Paul Charles Clarke playing Lieutenant Pinkerton.  A chance to hear some new voices playing the lead roles in this classic opera. May I be the first to say wow, really impressed with the two performers, Paul taking total command of the role, and Linda has such a fabulous voice, it’s just breathtaking to listen to. I’ve never heard Linda sing before (having missed her in previous roles), but can’t wait to hear her again in future roles with the WNO. 

I love act two when we get to hear Cio-Cio-San (Linda) sing with her maid Suzuki (played by the amazing Rebecca Afanwy-Jones). Together the harmonies are perfect (as I’ve been saying all through each of the shows I’ve seen).

As usual I have to commend the whole cast and orchestra for just being superb. Its brilliant to come here week after week and get blown away by every performance, of every show, I see. And of course tonight’s was no exception.  Magnificent from everyone, feel the need to see more again and again. 

Madam Butterfly (2nd performance).

Opera

Day 3 of my weekend opera extravaganza, its Sunday 12th February 2017 and I’m back at the Millenium Centre here in Cardiff Bay for my second instalment of Madam Butterfly, performed by the WNO company. 

A weekend of sheer bliss listening to some fabulous voices resonating out into this amazing auditorium. Together with the brilliant WNO Orchestra, playing to perfection on every visit, just magnificent, really bringing so much joy to the end of each working week.

So to today’s performance and a second chance in a few days to listen to the beautiful voices of Karah Son (Madam Butterfly) and Rebecca Afonwy-jones (Suzuki). Hearing them together in act two, as they wait for Pinkerton’s ship, each complementing the other with such stunning vocals, is just phenomenal. With ‘One Fine Day’ a stand out aria for Karah, and of course the humming chorus for the brilliant orchestra.  Another brilliant array of singing is the end of act one, with a beautiful piece of music as Pinkerton (Jonathan Burton) and Butterfly sing their hearts out at their wedding evening, as they are left alone after the guests leave. 

In all another fabulous opera, so good, beautifully done from all, with a real privilege to see such great opera so close to home, who are just magnificent on every occasion I get to watch. Need to see more, and knowing me, I definitely will. 

La Boheme (3rd performance).

Opera

Saturday 11th February 2017, and back yet again to the Millenium Centre in Cardiff Bay, for my 3rd performance of La Boheme, a 4 act opera from Puccini with the libretto co written by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica. 

The main plot for this wonderful opera consists of two love affairs. The on/off partnership between Musetta (Lauren Fagan) and Marcelo (Gary Griffiths), along with the tempestuous relationship of Rodolfo (Dominick Chenes) with Mimi (Marina Costa-Jackson). As I’ve said before a beautiful opera, with some comic moments intermingled with jealousy and tragedy, as Mimi confronts the ultimate end as the opera progresses to a tearful climax.

As usual the WNO company are just magnificent in everything they do. I have to commend the singing, the music played by the wonderful orchestra (just as I have done after every opera I’ve seen for the past few years) and the fact that I can just relax throughout the whole performance and drift away into the world of live theatrical wonderment. 

A word about tonight’s performance and yet again absolutely outstanding. So good, I even cried in the same places as I did on the previous occasions. Fabulous just fabulous. 

Madam Butterfly.

Opera

Friday 10th February 2017, a day off from work today to watch the opening  night performance  of Madam Butterfly from the wonderful WNO, at the Wales Millenium Centre in Cardiff Bay. Another opera I’m really looking forward to, having seen this with the Ellen Kent company a few years ago, it will be good to see how the WNO handle this classic opera.

The cast for tonight’s performance  includes David Kempster as Sharpless. Karah Son playing Cio-Cio-San. Jonathan Burton as Pinkerton and Rebecca Afonwy-Jones as Suzuki. The magnificent WNO orchestra is conducted by Lawrence Foster. 

Another beautiful opera written by Puccini (as was La Boheme), and performed to perfection by this brilliant company. Karah Son is absolutely brilliant, such an amazing, beautiful voice, and a huge applause from a very appreciative audience as the curtain came down. Together with Jonathan Burton they make a great vocal pairing, so fabulous to listen to. The second act also gave us the fabulous voice of Rebecca as Suzuki and another chance to hear David Kempster with his Suberb vocal tones as well. As usual the singing from the chorus and the cast was also fabulous just a delight to sit in comfort and wallow in its brilliance.

The set looks stunning, so well thought out, fabulously designed and I must say built to perfection, with everything sliding into place without a fuss. Well worth another visit to this wonderful theatre for another showing. 

La Boheme (2nd performance).

Opera

Another Saturday arrives and another show to see tonight, it’s the 4th of February 2017, and I’m back at the Millenium Centre in Cardiff Bay for my 2nd performance of the brilliant La Boheme, from the Welsh National Opera. A fabulous opera from Puccini, so beautifully undertaken by this wonderful company. Having seen this last weekend I’m so looking forward to watching it unfold all over again.

And so to tonight’s performance, with the cast remaining as last week. I’d like to talk about some of the things I never got around to, last time out. As usual the WNO have produced an excellent show. The set is well thought out, with an exquisite front curtain, opening up for the main scenes. A versatile set which changes, with ease as the opera rolls along. The snowy scenes of act two look very realistic, and make you feel cold for a split second, before the fabulous voices on show, quickly warm you back up to normal temperature. Along with the set goes the lighting designs, which add a great deal to the feel of the opera, enhancing the stage presence of each character, with its surroundings. The costumes have a really simple design theme to them, although work extremely well with the plot of this opera, with many of its characters struggling to make ends meet. Another aspect of this production is the use of the children in some of the scenes, with a few sung lines dotted around these particular stages of the opera. Even though they don’t sing an awful lot, they still sound good, as their combined voices resonate around the auditorium. 

Again, during most of this wonderful opera I had a tear in my eye, mainly due to the Superb vocal talent on show here tonight. Another fabulous performance from all on show. So impressed I just wanted to listen to this all night. Still, on the plus side I will hopefully get to see it again before it begins its tour later in the month.

As I said last week, the standard of the voices on show is just magnificent, (which always seems to be the case with the WNO), they never fail to deliver exactly what they set out to achieve. Which is one of the reasons I keep coming back for more every season. 

Lord of the dance: Dangerous games.

Dance

Today I’m at a different venue, at St Davids Hall in Cardiff City Centre for a performance of Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games. Having seen this amazing show last year, I knew I would need to see it again, on its return to the Welsh Capital.

From a brilliant opera last night to a fabulous dance orientated show tonight, my horizons have been greatly broadened with these extraordinary shows so close to home. The standard of exquisite Irish dancing in this production is phenomenal. Everything is so precise, fast paced and just breathtaking to watch. 

With so much happening on stage, this story of good verses evil really packs a punch. With fabulous graphics behind the dancers, a superb score and live fiddlers on stage, and some great singing with the fantastic voice of Sophie Evans (Erin the Goddess) getting in on the act. The lead male dancers (Lord of the dance and the Dark Lord) and female dancers (Saoirse, Morrighan and Little Spirit) are just magnificent, and not to be outdone, the ensemble cast are absolutely brilliant as well, with pinpoint accuracy with every step taken throughout this show. This is most noticeable in the line, when all dancers take the stage for that classic Riverdance moment, as every dancer is in step with everyone else. Brilliant to watch, and so good live.

The staging is quite brilliant as well, along with the colourful screenes depicting images of good and evil, the additional lighting and sound really add to the feel of the show. The tap routines are so good, as heel and toe hit the floor simultaneously, creating a perfect sound level from all the combined dancers. So precise, and all synchronised, you would think it was one dancer hitting the beat. 

The whole event goes by so quickly, (you never want it to end, and when it does you just want more), and most of the time you cannot take your eyes off the stage, as you flit between good and evil. As choreography dictates this whole show, I must admit this has to be one of the best I’ve seen, and one I would love to see again and again which, as usual, I probably will, on its next visit to Cardiff.