Event – PixiePlanner

Ad – Go Go Go Joseph!

AD/PR EVENT-As always, all views and opinions are my own.

Last night, Kevin, Quinn and I had the pleasure of being invited along by Aberdeen Performing Arts to the press evening of the brand new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

The show, which is fresh from a run at the London Palladium, was a non-stop extravaganza of colour and song from beginning to end. If you’re looking for an early summer musical treat, then this show is the one! From the opening act through to the classics of Any Dream Will Do to Go Go Go Joseph, the first half flew in and it was easy to see why Joseph remains one of the favourite musicals in the land.

I must give special mention to Rochelle Sherona who made her tour debut as Narrator this week. Her performance was so good it was as though she had played the role for years!

Jac Yarrow was also fantastic, as Joseph and his solo performance of Close Every Door was especially impressive.

You can’t write about a Joseph performance without mentioning the wonderful child cast. Their talent and energy were a joy to see and there is every chance we will see one or two of them playing some leading roles in the future.

The evening finished with the entire audience on their feet to the Joesph Megamix. It was a wonderful ending to an impressive performance. Joseph is in town until Saturday evening and I would recommend you get along if you can. Tickets can be purchased here.

Alannah x

Ad – Don’t Save The Book of Mormon For a Latter Day.

AD/PR EVENT-As always, all views and opinions are my own.

Last night Kevin and I had the pleasure of being invited along by Aberdeen Performing Arts to the press evening of The Book of Mormon.

The second performance of a fifteen-night stint at His Majesty’s Theatre, as part of their UK tour, this outrageous musical comedy certainly had the audience laughing and smiling throughout the two-hour performance.

Make no mistake, the Book of Mormon is one of the top musicals currently running anywhere right now! It’s easy to see why it’s a nine-time Tony Award and four-time Oliver award winning hit.

The opening scene starts in Salt Lake City Mormon training centre as the latest new missionaries complete their training and prepare to accept their mission spreading the word of the church around the world. The star of the class is Elder Price (Robert Colvin) and he is hoping to be sent to the sunshine state of Florida and the parks and attractions of Orlando, however his prayers don’t get answered and instead gets matched with the hilarious Elder Cunningham (Conner Peirson) and sent to a remote village in Uganda with the aim to convert the locals to the church.

This is the beginning of a hilarious journey, as the residents initially don’t take too kindly to the preaching from the book, but Elder Cunningham shares his wisdom and before being declared as the Prophet who can save the village. There is an array of catchy dance and songs that had the audience clapping along, some of which include language that marks the show suitable for over 13’s!

We had a great time and would recommend you get along to see if you can. Your prayers might not get answered, but you will definitely laugh out loud time and time again! You can purchase your tickets through Aberdeen Performing Arts at the Box Office.

Alannah x

Ad – An Evening at the Scottish Ballet The Scandal of Mayerling

AD/PR EVENT-As always, all views and opinions are my own.

Last night I had the pleasure of being invited along by Aberdeen Performing Arts to the press evening of Scottish Ballet The Scandal at Mayerling.

The first performance of a three-night stint at His Majesty’s Theatre and my first time attending the ballet was a delight. Reimagined by Scottish Ballet, choreographer Sir Kenneth Macmillan’s Mayerling will be the first time they produced the iconic ballet in the UK outside of London.

The Scandal at Mayerling marks an important milestone for Scottish Ballet. The industry is recovering, and it was glorious to see the magnificent sets, costumes and full size orchestra.

Based in Vienna on the historical incident at a royal hunting lodge in 1889, it’s far from a pleasant fairytale. Ryoichi Hirano executes the role of Crown Prince Rudolf as he battles his deteriorating mental state and hurtles towards tragedy.

The sheer standard of performance on show was both captivating and mesmerising. There is no doubt the Scottish Ballet dancers are extremely talented and professional.

Scottish Ballet The Scandal at Mayerling is at His Majesty’s Theatre Aberdeen until Saturday 7th May. You can find good availability here at Aberdeen Performing Arts.

Alannah x

Ad Thank You For The Music -Mamma Mia!

AD/PR EVENT-As always, all views and opinions are my own.

Last night I had the pleasure of being invited along by Aberdeen Performing Arts to the press evening of the smash hit musical Mamma Mia!

The second performance of a fourteen show, nine-night stint at His Majesty’s Theatre was the perfect mid-week pick me up as the near capacity audience danced and sang along to the full catalogue of Abba classics.

Set on a Greek island paradise, Mamma Mia tells the story of 20-year-old Sophie’s quest to find the father she’s never known; however, this unfortunately brings her mother Donna face to face with three men from her distant past. All of this is on the eve of a wedding any of the guests are likely to ever forget.

Incredibly Mamma Mia first appeared on stage over 20 years ago. Since then the show has entertained audiences of over 70 million throughout the world and on last night’s showing its easy to see why. With a simple set this show is all about the performance of the cast, as with the hit movie there are plenty of humorous moments along the way – especially between Pepper (The resort barman) and Tanya (The posh friend of Donna’s).

There were many colourful and cheery scenes along the way (we are warned pre-show of lots of lycra and bright colours!) but the Donna and the Dynamo reunion performance was a hit with the entire audience as was Jena Pandya’s (Sophie’s) moving rendition of I had a dream.

As the evening drew to a close, we were treated to a mini-Abba concert. Everyone was on their feet as a melody of the Swedish super groups classic hits which are familiar to all generations filled the air and sent the audience off home singing and humming along to Abba tunes way into the night – well it certainly did for me!

I would recommend that you catch Mamma Mia! while you can – It’s in town until 26 March and tickets can be purchased here.

Alannah x

Ad Get Ready To Rock With Andrew Lloyd Webber’s, School of Rock!

AD/PR EVENT-As always, all views and opinions are my own.

Last night I had the pleasure of being invited along to the press evening of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s West End and Broadway hit musical, School of Rock by Aberdeen Performing Arts.

The first of seven dates at His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen, School of Rock The Musical is currently touring the UK and Ireland after its three and a half year stint at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London’s West End.

The hit musical version of the cult movie starring Jack Black is based around wannabe rock star Dewey Finn. He teaches a class of elite prep-school kids, transforming them into a pint-sized rock band, competing for the grand prize in the battle of the bands!

Dewey Finn played by Jake Sharpe executed rock perfectly, along with a band of kids that lit up the stage with their talents. The kids play live every show, which is phenomenal and even have incredible vocals along with the acting skills to match. The closing scenes at the “Battle of the Bands” final transports the audience straight to the front rows of a live rock concert and had the entire house on their feet. The musical features some wonderful numbers but “stick it the man” was still stuck in our heads long after the show had finished.

I would highly recommend School of Rock for the perfect half term treat. The entire production will blow you away!

Here at His Majesty’s until this Saturday February 19th, you can purchase your tickets through Aberdeen Performing Arts at the Box Office.

Alannah x

AD-New Look Bon Accord Reopening Event

AD/PR EVENT-As always, all views and opinions are my own.

⁣⁣⁣This morning New Look Bon Accord kindly invited me to open the doors of my favourite fashion store. I’m so excited to welcome them back!

⁣Non essential shops in Scotland have been closed due to COVID since last December and today they have reopened along with gyms, pools, pubs and restaurants. It felt so wonderful to spend the morning browsing new collections and just feeling that bit normal again!

⁣⁣⁣To welcome everyone back, New Look is currently offering 25% off throughout the store until Wednesday 28th April. This applies to all products, including sales items, but excludes third party brands.

The store is looking fabulous, with so many exciting new products from dresses and tops, to the most impressive denim collection! What I love most about the Bon Accord store is it’s diversity. From petite, to maternity and from curves to 915, there really is something for everyone!

I couldn’t wait to do some shopping and picked up this beautiful Ditsy Floral Frill Smock Dress for only £10.

These beautiful Ruffle and Collar Tees were £6 and £5 and all with a further 25% off!

I also chose the Blue Denim Smock Dress and Gold Heart and Silver Star Necklaces, which I’m wearing. These were PR products.

I really enjoyed my experience at New Look Bon Accord today! I truly felt safe and very welcomed by the lovely team who followed and encouraged the current government guidelines.

Have you been shopping since the stores reopened in the UK? Stay safe friends!⁣⁣⁣

Alannah x

AD-Fan Friday Returns To shopDisney!

AD/SPONSORED-There are affiliate links in this post. I receive a small commission if you purchase from my links. As always, all views and opinions are my own.

One of my favourite events has returned to shopDisney, Fan Friday is back! From now until 8am on Tuesday 27th April, get 20% off selected home, apparel and accessories. Simply click here to shop and use code FAN10 for an extra 10% off at checkout!

Here are the top ten products on offer for Fan Friday.

Winnie the Pooh Backpack. Was £26.95, Fan Friday price £13.48.

2. Marvel Black Hooded Sweatshirt for Adults. Was £35, Fan Friday price £17.50.

3. Mickey Mouse Backpack. Was 20.95, Fan Friday price £10.48.

4. Alien Remix Ladies T-shirt. Was £16, Fan Friday price £8.

5. Marvel Cap for Adults. Was £12.95, Fan Friday price £6.48.

6. National Geographic Backpack. Was £140, Fan Friday price £70.

7. Avengers Sketch Hooded Sweatshirt for Adults. Was £35, Fan Friday price £17.50.

8. Mickey and Minnie Cartoon Tote Bag. Was £22, Fan Friday price £11.

9. Winnie the Pooh Umbrella. Was £14.95, Fan Friday price £7.48.

10. Marvel Ladies Lounge Shirt. Was £20, Fan Friday price £10.

These great deals won’t hang around for long, so add them to your basket fast!

I have listed my favourite products below.

Mickey Mouse Denim Jacket for Adults. Was £50, Fan Friday price £40.

Mickey Mouse Denim Skirt for Adults. Was £35, Fan Friday price £28.

Mickey Mouse Jump T-shirt for Adults. Was £18, Fan Friday price £14.40.

Loungefly Minnie Mouse Polka Dot Mini Backpack. Was £75, Fan Friday price £52.50.

Lego Mickey and Minnie Figures Set 43179. Was £169.99, Fan Friday price £144.49.

Let me know if your favourites are included in shopDisney Fan Friday?

Alannah x

Celebrate Pixar Fest With shopDisney!

AD–There are some affiliate links and PR samples in this post. I receive a small commission if you purchase from my links. As always, all views and opinions are my own.

This month, Pixar sees 25 years of filmmaking and to celebrate, Disney is launching Pixar Fest, a virtual family festival featuring Pixar movies streaming on Disney+. Throughout the month of August, celebrate Pixar Fest with shopDisney and their perfect Pixar range featuring toys, clothes and much more!

This week, there is 25% off selected Pixar toys at shopDisney! Here are some of Quinn and I’s favourites from the collection.

Woody Interactive Talking Action Figure £22.50

Woody will always be my favourite character from Toy Story and I’m so glad Quinn shares in my love for him!

Rex Talking Action Figure £22.50

Quinn loves this Rex figure because of his size, (he’s huge!) and he’s the perfect companion to the talking Woody Action Figure. When you pair Rex together with Woody or Buzz, a special phrase is unlocked!

Bo Peep Soft Toy Doll £15.75

I love this Bo Peep plush as she is just beautiful! She features the classic embroidered face and a 2 in 1 reversible skirt that can also be used as a cape.

Forky Talking Action Figure £14

This figure has been one of Quinn’s favourite recent purchases from shopDisney. Forky is such a fun character, and this figure displays that perfectly! You can take one home for £9 when you spend £10 or more at shopDisney.

A quirky, weekly collection inspired by everyone’s Pixar favourites debuted this week on shopDisney. The pin and soft toy collection will release each Monday at approximately 8am online and will feature the following.

Pin release £28 for a set of 4

10th August – Buzz, Nemo, Anger, Rex.

17th August- Remy, Woody, Russell, Bo Peep

24th August – Flik, Syndrome, Jessie, Wall-E

31st August – Coco, Carl, Incredibles, Forky

7th September – Ducky, Merida, Sully, Bunny

14th September – Mater, Lotso, Boo, Mike Wasowski

Soft Toy release £10 each

10th August – Merida, Woody, Incredibles, Anger, Lotso, Nemo

17th August – Russell

24th August – Wall-E

31st August – Carl

7th September- Sulley

14th September – Boo

You can rediscover your favourite Pixar films with all the family during the live Pixar Fest watchalongs, every Sunday over on Disney UK Facebook page!

Alannah x

Festive Fun At The Friends Of ANCHOR Silent Disco Walking Tour

Last night Quinn and I were kindly invited to the VIP launch of the Friends of ANCHOR Silent Disco Adventure Tour at the Aberdeen Christmas Village. Friends of ANCHOR is a local cancer charity based in the North East of Scotland and are this years chosen charity for Aberdeen’s Christmas Village, which is organised by Aberdeen Inspired.

I had never been to a silent disco prior to last night so although I had an idea, I really did not know what to fully expect. Quinn and I were each given a set of headphones at the start of the tour by the lovely Lauren from Jeff and Lauren in the Morning over on Northsound 1. Lauren started our tour off, before handing us over to our tour guide from Silent Adventures, the team that brought you this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Silent Disco. Our tour guide led us around the village for half an hour of music, dancing and festive fun! Each time I took in my surroundings, everyone involved in the tour were dancing with the biggest smiles on their faces! The most magical thing happens once you have those headphones on, you dance like no one is watching! Both Quinn and I had so much fu, we did not stop laughing throughout! There were some Disney hits of course which made our night! I would definitely recommend the tour for an evening of family fun to get you in the festive mood, all while raising funds for a precious charity.

Tours take place in the Aberdeen Christmas Village and surrounding area and tickets can be pre booked by emailing info@friendsofanchor.org. A limited number of tickets can also be purchased on the day from the ticket booth at the Christmas Village. The attraction is suitable for ages five and over, but babies in arms are welcome at no charge. Unfortunately prams cannot be accommodated for on the tour.

Tickets are priced at £10 per adult, £7.50 per child (age 5 to 12) or £25 for a family of four (two adults and two children). By supporting this festive, fundraising campaign, you will be supporting the thousands of people affected by cancer or haematology diagnosis, who receive treatment in the North East of Scotland. All profits go directly to Friends of ANCHOR which is amazing!

Alannah x

Some items in this post are gifted. As always all views and experiences are my own.

The Toys Are Back For Toy Story 4

This weekend Toy Story 4 was released in cinemas and my little Peter Pan and I couldn’t wait to see it! Having slept on it, I am now ready to share my thoughts (and emotions!) on the sequel to the much loved franchise.

Yesterday we went to see it and it was everything I was expecting and more! I had goosebumps from start to finish and I am so glad we got the opportunity to see everyone’s favourite toys back in action again.

Quinn and I both loved Forky, he was so fun and a genius addition to the Toy Story family. Bo Peep definitely stood out as a fierce role model and Gabby Gabby had a side to her I didn’t expect, but nevertheless her and the Dummie’s were terrifying! Duke Caboom was the perfect addition, Quinn and I both loved him also and Ducky and Bunny were the new characters you never knew you needed in your life!

A few times throughout the movie I really choked up, particularly in a scene with Bonnie, If you have seen it already, I am sure you will understand why! The ending of the movie of course broke my heart and literally drained me. Who knew toys could give us all the feels?

To celebrate the release of Toy Story 4, Shop Disney UK kindly sent Quinn and I the cutest Woody and Bo Peep soft toys. These are available for £12.50 each when you spend £10 or more online or in store (full price £20 each). We can’t wait to see what new Toy Story products will be available from July 1st. I have a feeling Quinn will love it all!

Toy Story 4’s release has got me so excited for our Walt Disney World trip next week! Have you been to see the movie yet? Or are you going soon? I would love to hear your thoughts!

Some items in this post are gifted, as stated. As always all views and experiences are my own.

Alannah x