Ramin Karimloo-From Now On Tour- Leeds City Varieties- 26th Jan

This is the 2nd time seeing this man perform with his broadgrass band and yet again he did not disappoint, he went totally off set list and we probably got more songs and a set in the totally wrong order but it was SO good!

His interaction with the audience alone was just fun and laid back and he had such gratitude for people being there and supporting and he wanted them to have a good time and gave opportunity to an upcoming singer to perform with his just shows he has a big heart.

If you do not know who he is then where have you been? He has played some of the top iconic Musical theatre roles known, Jean Valjean, Enjolras, Marius,  Phantom (Adam) in the phantom of the opera and Love Never dies, Chris in Miss Saigon, Ché in Evita and General Gleb Vaganov. Broadway and West end he is top of his game.

But he also writes his own music so this tour he does with his broadgrass band bring a bit of all he loves into one singing, songs from roles he has played, songs he wrote, songs he likes etc.
His versions of Til i hear you sing and Bring Him Home from Phantom and Les Mis get me every time, goosebumps and a tear or two.

And new to the act were a few songs from The Greatest Showman! If we need a Barnum for  Stage version of this movie, Ramin is your guy for sure!

A great evening with beautiful performances and a lot of laughter!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 star rating!

Les Miserables UK Tour- Manchester Palace Theatre- Thursday 21st February Matinee

Well this was a day of firsts, first day seeing a production at the Manchester Palace Theatre and First time seeing this epic production.
Now i love the movie, i love he 25th and 10th anniversary DVDs, i am a fan of many person who has appeared in the production, Alfie Boe, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Ramin Karimloo etc.
And i like everyone i am sure no the songs.
i knew it was going to be good, i was so excited to see it and in such anticipation. But i didn't expect it to be as good as it truly was!

Cast- all amazing i won't name them all but we had an understudy for Jean Val jean (Zac Hamilton) my god that guy gave me goosebumps he was just as good in that role as some of the big names so never complain you have an understudy they are honestly just as good if not better! Katie Bell (Fantine) amazing performance going from Cosette to that just seemed such natural transgression and did it so well!
Nic Greenshields (Javert) scary, mysterious great vocals and great stage presence for such a iconic villain. Martin Ball and Sophie-Louise Dann (Thénardiers) hillarious added there own and yet familiar spin on 2 iconic characters.
Will Richardson (Enjolras) my fave character the chivalry and pride and leadership that just makes you love him and his cause, the vocals were epic and delivered with such passion for the cause.
Marius and Cosette (Harry Apps and Bronwen Hanson) young love sang so well and Harry singing empty chairs and empty tables broke my heart i cannot believe this was his theatre debut!

And whoever played our Gavroche! I'm not 100% but i just love that character anyway and the lad who played his did it so well!

All cast were truly amazing and great in there roles these are just ones that stood out most to me in my experience.

It is such a dark and oppressive musical, and it is a long musical this production is 2hours 55mins and is the new version from the Broadway staging that will not inhabit London from not on, no no evolve. i have no comparison  but i saw nothing lacking or missing from there not being a revolve. The effects the use for the battle and the deaths were beautiful with the lighting and sound really being used well. The use of candles as representing the fallen during empty Charis/ Turning really made the scene in the darkness of the theatre and the affects used during Javerts death on the screen and how they made him 'fall' were so well executed and nothing like i had scene in theatre before.

it is so much more than a musical it is a story and based on a story and done so well! you feel your there you feel how they feel, every tear you weep is for those characters and that story. and having now seen it I now understand why it has stood the test of time and why it will continue!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/ 5 star rating

Collabro- The Road to the Royal Albert Hall Tour-Leeds City Varieties- 16th February

Taking songs from their Road to the Royal Albert Hall Album and a few extra songs that made them most famous this night was such a feel good night with the best acoustics I have ever heard and the best vocals i have ever herd! gosh the power the have!

There warm up act as Georgia and the Vintage youth, a Woman front band with her on piano and a drummer and saxophonist, they have the sounds of the oldies with new lyrics, some of which humorous and gritty!

Also as a support act was the amazing Kerry Ellis who sang 3 songs alone and one with the boys and she was amazing! If you do not know her she played some majorly iconic parts in her career, Elphaba in Wicked, Meat in We Will Rock You, Nancy in Oliver! and Grizabella in Cats to name but a few!
her 2 songs one alone and with the boys songs from the greatest showman were amazing definitely a contender for a part if they ever turn it into a stage show!

Now to the boys! made famous from Britain's Got Talent when the gave amazing renditions of Bring him Home and Stars with each harmony creating pure magic! they have carved out a successful career and this tour highlighted there diverse music ranges and genres! Singing songs from musical theatre to the jersey boys and then to Motown. what can they not do!?

There banter between the audience and between themselves was hilarious and it was so natural and feel good it was a really lovely evening! dancing along, singing along crying along. it made for an amazing tour so is a definite must see.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 star rating

Matilda The Musical UK Tour Bradford Alhambra 19th February 2019

I did not know really what to expect. I'd Read the book as a child and seen the movie but not really seen or herd too much about the musical. I was a fan of Tim Minchin having seen his comedy routines a few times then in Andrew Lloyd Webber re imagining of Jesus Christ Superstar and knew he understood musical theatre and the power of song so i knew we were in good hands in that case.

As soon as it started the talent just oozed from the kids , almost as good if not better than the adults. Do bare in mind it is very kids orientated having gone during half term it was full of kids!

There was comedy some dry enough for kids some cheeky enough for the Adults and the topic through out related to both ages groups too. and it also kept the whole message about the power of reading very much apparent. 

The cast were great you hated Mrs Trunchbull and you adored Mrs Honey and loved Matilda and Bruce! The staging was so loud and creative with the letters all scrabbled all around the stage framing each scene (how many words could you find?) and the use of alphabet cubes for chairs and the kookiness of Matilda's house to the gloom of he school set each scene perfectly!

And the stunts/ special affects especially in that iconic scene with the pigtails! Just wow!

Now the songs were good some definitely better than others some maybe not delivered at best to be able to keep the story ticking at a good pace sometimes i was a bit like whats going on? or get on with it? slightly hard engagingly. some of the number were just brilliant, my heart broke for 'When i Grow up' but also my heart sang like it was a anthem, and 'Revolting Children' gave a great send off to that wicked teacher Mrs Trunchbull and showed off the children's amazing talent well during that performance. And then you fell in love with Matilda during 'Naughty'

A really fun kooky book paying homage to the original book and nostalgic movie with some great toe tapping numbers

⭐⭐⭐ 3/5 Star rating!

FAME the musical uk tour Bradford Alhambra 28th August Matinee

I loved the film and i loved the TV series more and now i love the musical. On parts it was a bit slow but it kept building and by the end the energy was there when it mattered when they sung the beautiful song 'bring on tomorrow' where i could even see the cast getting emotional the passion really came out then and the song is a beautiful emotional power song.
Mischa Paris stole the show with her effortless renditions and Jorgie porter danced so elegantly along side Jamal Crawford as Tyrone channelling the iconic character in the movie hiding his emotion behind his street persona that finally breaks. Keith Jack was wonderful as Nick and the less well known stars Stephanie Rojas as Carmen and Molly McGuire as Serena gave such powerful emotion filled performances Stephanie especially held her own in the most iconic movie song 'Fame'.

The finale had everyone on there feet and everyone believed they would live forever and learn how to fly!

Wicked Uk Tour (Leeds Grand Theatre 4th July)

Tell them how I am
Defying gravity
I'm flying high
Defying gravity

10am we saw cheap tickets on sale 2.30pm we were sat in our seats!
3rd time seeing this show and it did not disappoint! We actually had the understudy Elphaba Nikki Bentley which was also special as the 2nd time i saw wicked on the last tour we had the understudy Jodie Steele. And as understudies taking on the role they knocked it out the house both times for me so i am never disappointed to see an understudy!
Special mention to Aaron Sidwell who play Fiyero! Really amazing so laid back and comfortable in the role and an amazing vocal performance from him and all the cast!

This musical is and will be up there as a classic musical next to les mis etc. Its story is amazing, the set, the score, the lighting and sound and the costumes all have made this show so fun and unique and powerful and even on tour it does not lower its standards it is just as amazing on any stage you see it on. And having seen it 3 times already theres always something new you notice.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5 star rating

Son of a Preacher Man Uk Tour (Bradford Alhambra 12th june 2018)

"The only boy who could ever teach me was the son of a preacher man "

When the email came through offering cheap tickets for this show i thought why not! And it did not disappoint.
Previously i know the tour had some more known stars in its cast but at my venue none of those known names were in it but the cast we had were just as great.
Another juke box musical the story was nice a group of people all needing answers to some of life's dilemmas head to a old record store now a cafe to speak to the preacher Man who used to give advice in the 60s, though he is know longer there his son is but his approach to helping is not as robust as his fathers way and so so e hurdles occur. All people involved get a happy ending of course. The thing that i liked most is the diversity of the stories. Not so typical the problems they face include a girl who fancies a guy on an internet dating site whose nan died and was secretly a rich lady which turns the girls life upside down. A woman who was a teacher and thinks she falls in love with her student and the student falls in love with her ( i won't spoil the outcome of the one) and a Gay man who is looking for a lost love he met at that record shop in the 60s. Such diverse issues and controversial to some but issues that are a constant presence in our culture now nevermind in the 60s as well it brings it all together!
The story wasn't as strong in some areas, in places i felt it was a bit slow and spent too much time on some parts of the story rather than others. But maybe still being a new musical needs tweaking here and there but it has major potential! The songs were great with the sounds of the 60s with Dusty Springfield's songs and the 60s flashbacks to the record shop in there amazing 60s fashion. It was nostalgic and inspiring. You'll be singing and dancing by the end and all the way home.

2.5/5 star rating 🌟🌟.5

Jersey Boys Uk Tour (Bradford Alhambra)

 Without sounding cliche, Oh what a night it was!

You have probably heard a Frankie Valli and The Four season song without even realising. Alot of there songs shaped there era and the next ones and also created a musical and movie based on their story.

I had seen the movie before the musical and loved that but heard the musical was far better and they were not wrong. 

Jukebox musicals can be a bit like marmite. Not every ones cup of tea but this is honestly one of the good ones! There is enough dialogue to song ratio and the songs actually link in with the story so they don't cheat and just add loads of songs in, like some juke box musicals do.

The cast were amazing all previously done the roles either on tour west end and with a great back catalogue of musical credits the songs were put into great hands to be sung well.

The songs! From Beggin' to Oh what a night to My eyes adored you each broke your heart, made you sing along or got those toes tapping. A total audience standing ovation and finale dance ended the show on a high, i would have liked a quick medley at the end but they didn't but still you came out singing the songs all the way home

4/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟star rating

A lovely afternoon (The Greatest Showman)

 What a lovely afternoon. We started with a lovely afternoon tea at Patisserie Valerie which was so lovely. Afternoon tea always looks like not alot to eat and you would manage it until you get 2 layers in and you start doubting yourself and give up so get the rest boxed up !

 We then headed to our local Cineworld to see the highly anticipated The Greatest Showman.
Inspired by the imagination of P.T. Barnum creator of the Barnum & Bailey circus. Set in New york it tells his story. The highs and lows. With emotive and foot stomping songs this is an inspiring story of dreams and imagination.
With the legend Hugh Jackman playing the title role of Barnum we were already onto a winner. Accompanying him were Michelle Williams as Charity, Barnum's wife with a beautiful voice, Zac Efron as Phillip Carlyle who finally got rid of that cheesy high school musical voice for a really lovely toned voice and really made held his own and showed of his honestly amazing talent! Good career move Zac!
And the rest of the cast were amazing too some new faces we will most likely see again after this performance.

 It reminded me visually of Moulin rouge but musically held its own with its modern song and dance yet setting in Victorian era.
From that first songs your toe was tapping and by the end they were stomping along, you may cry and you may cheer. It gives that much.

A definite must see, they need to make it into a stage show though now !

A 2017 round up and a 2018 plan of attack

Well, 2017 what can i say, this year you changed me. I left a job and got a new one which is the best job i have had and i love it. I can see me making progress within it and making a career hopefully!
With this job in turn came more confidence. I used to hate going to new places and doing new things alone but i bit the bullet and did these and its felt so good the feeling afterwards and praise i get from everyone as well.
I did more of what i love. Visited york finally! Go to my fave coffee shop, listened for hours to my fave radio station, go to car shows (a new hobby the boyfriend dragged me to but of which i now love!) And visited the theatre more! God i love the theatre and musicals! I saw loads this year, Ramin Karimloo, Addams family, Cilla, Joseph and more! Need to see even more this year

It was a fulfilling year and 2018 will be more so!

So 2018 plans... well initially i have my best friends wedding and I'm a bridesmaid! So that's a big thing this year.

But my main things are to be spontaneous and see where each day takes me and to do things on a whim and not plan too much. Feels more of a treat then!

My main resolutions are...

1. Loose weight/go to the gym from February (birthdays in Jan so we wont lie and say ill be good then so ill start in Feb lol)
2. Read more! I have a pile of books 
3. Stay positive. I have a happiness journal and a list journal to help highlight the good so ill be using those
4. Progress in work 
5. Save money
6. See more theatre!
7. Go back to Liverpool and Scotland
8. Blog more
9. Go to more mas markets this year!
10. Enjoy life and live for the moment

I wanna post more so i will really try this year! 

The Addams Family Musical

Even as the curtain went up and you herd that infamous theme and the *click, click* i knew the show was going to meet my expectations. Ones made great by the fact that you tuber and writer Carrie hope Fletcher was in it and i had been watching her Watch me Wednesdays leading up to this day with the backstage preperations and antica that i couldn't hide my excitement i knew i had to go and it was the first time going to the theatre on my own!
The basic story is Wednesday Addams falls in love with a normal boy and they wanna get married but they want there parents blessing. Commence crazy meeting in the Addams central park home and all kooky goings on happen.
So what did i think?

The Cast

• Samantha Womack- Morticia- so good as the sexy and sultry Morticia, great singing and acting not the most powerful singer but very good still.
• Les Dennis-Uncle Fester- Funny and innocent Fester whose Love story is so cute and played by this legend was carried off really well such good acting needed for the role and he pulled it off.
• Carrie Hope Fletcher-Wednesday- The reason i came to see it. Totally amazing her voice is just as good in person her chemistry with all the cast was amazing and the part suited her well!
• Cameron Blakely-Gomez- hilarious and amazing acting done here clearly his years in the business shone through, nothing was forced and his singing is pure class.
• Valda Aviks-Grandma- considering her age shes a feisty little something so funny!
• Grant McIntyre-Pugsley- lovely solo by him when doing what if! And he did pugsley just as you would imagine him to be naughty and a typical kid but innocent too.
• Oliver Ormson- Lucas Beineke- nice on the eye, amazing voice and funny too got a few laughs and jibes for dabbing by the school kids in o  the performance! 
• Dicken Gough- Lerch- does not say much of course but for someone who hardly speaks he did this character amazing justice. Wouldn't be Addams family without lerch!
• Lucas parents-Dale Rapley and Charlotte Page- great pairing good singing and reflection of married couples drawn apart then back together again.
• The Ancestors-  amazing group Scott Paige stood out due to Carries vlogs but all really made the show!

The Set and story

I loved the set Gothic and kooky it really reflected the family and the scene with the moon was so beautiful.
The story was realistic and you know would have happened i that classic families life. It was funny and relateable and quirky all at the same time but not normal far from normal this is the Addams family of course.


The Songs/Music

A mixture of quirky fun songs to really lovely heart felt powerful songs. It had it all!
When your and Addams made up as there welcome entrance, with crazier than you as the love song and Pulled giving the power to the situation Wednesday found herself in and full disclosure just was not getting out of your head now!

Listen to it ! Go see it if you can! And lets hope Andrew Lippa does a cast soundtrack!

YORK places to see...

Just walking into York from our hotel there was so much to see. The old buildings and streets and amazing architecture. Your immediately transported.

York minster is a must when we went at first it was really early morning and we just walked the grounds and that alone was amazing looking at it and its grounds you really got a sense of grandeur from it and it is that walk that made us decide we had to go in. So the day after it was raining so we went inside on this day to keep dry yes you pay, but it goes towards keeping this amazing place standing and that ticket lasts you a year we went on one of the tours which o think is a good idea so you can get the info and context to it all which just adds to the experience! A must see definitely our trip was cut short due to a reservation  and the fact it was not planned but we will go again!

This was my highlight the York Castle museum! It starts at the beginning then goes through the ages speaking about the whole of york and where it started. What people were like and what they did, how it was to live and work there and what york was know for. At one point we got a guided tour on the Victorian street section. The guide, all dressed in the era attire, spoke about living in these times for each class and really made the streets and its rooms come to life and he gestured towards volunteers in some of the shops as they want to talk about there shop and the history but there volunteers so don't get paid like he did and so wanted us to go see them. The One we spoke to in the pharmacy was amazing and so funny getting a jar of leeches out and entertaining the adults and the children. We were here for like 2 hours and i think was the best place we went.

We had to pop into the golden fleece just for a drink one of the most haunted pubs it was very atmospheric and was literally painted in history which was suggestive at how you were bound to feel as well as the un-even creaky floors and darkened rooms i ended up getting neck pain and when we left it disappeared instantly!

Above is the best part of the rail museum. Not my cup of tea.

This caused damage to the bank! It is amazing and the staff are so good getting into charecter with the koda and chatting about the store while you wait. Its become such a phenomenon i  itself the staff and owners never expected it to become so big. Yes you have to Que and shouldn't be for too long if your tactful with the time you gobut it is worth the wait if your into Harry potter.