Event – PixiePlanner

Ad – Scottish Ballet Coppèlia – A Ballet For The Future

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 Scottish Ballet Coppèlia at His Majesty’s Theatre.

This out of the world performance was the first of a three-night stint at His Majesty’s Theatre, and my second time attending the mesmerising ballet.

Coppèlia first premiered in 1870 and now, 152 years later, Scottish Ballet has brought it back into the 21st century in the most innovative way. The ambitious production combines live performance, projection and real time filming, which left me wondering what was real and what wasn’t!

Based around Dr Coppèlius curious mind and world of robots and clones. It all unravels during a visit by two journalists called Swanhilda and Franz, who find that things are not as they seem. The story from beginning to end was invigorating and, as usual and the accompanying orchestra were excellent.

Scottish Ballet Coppèlia is at His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen until Saturday 1st October. You can find good availability here at Aberdeen Performing Arts.

Alannah x

Ad – Dreamgirls

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

Last night, my mum and I had the pleasure of being invited along by Aberdeen Performing Arts to the press evening of Dreamgirls at His Majesty’s Theatre.

Direct from the West End, Dreamgirls was a musical I really couldn’t wait to see and the talent on stage blew me away!

The show is a musical rollercoaster as three singers and friends Effie, Lorrell and Deena take us on as they seek fame with their group, named the Dreamettes.

Caught up in the glamorous and competitive world of the entertainment industry in the 1960s, a ruthless music industry pushes their friendship and loyalties to the limit.

Effie White – played by Nicole Raquel Dennis, wowed the audience with her incredible voice, gave me goosebumps! Jimmy Early – played by Brandon Lee Sears, provided the show’s entertainment.

Dreamgirls is at His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen until Saturday, September 10th. You can purchase tickets here.

Alannah x

Ad – Billionaire Boy Live on Stage

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 David Walliams’ Billionaire Boy.

Quinn is a keen reader of David Walliams children’s books and we were excited to see one of his fiction tales live on stage. The Olivier Award nominated West End production of David Walliams’ Billionaire Boy was a hit!

Just like the novel, it tells the story of 12-year-old Joe Spud who, as the country’s richest boy, has everything he could ever wish for, except one thing – a friend.

In pursuit of a friend, Joe persuades his dad – the billionaire bum fresh inventor to allow him to leave his posh school and move to the local comprehensive. At his new school, Joe learns that money can’t solve everything!

It was a fun filled show, and we were all keen to see Raj – the shopkeeper who stars in all the novels with his humour and special offers.

The show is a perfect treat for the kids during the school holidays, especially for those who have enjoyed Walliams many novels.

It’s in town until Saturday, August 13th. You can purchase tickets here.

Alannah x

Ad Lord of the Dance -25 Years of Standing Ovations

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 Michael Flatley’s Lord Of the Dance.

Celebrating 25 years of standing ovations – Michael Flatley’s Lord of the dance has become the most successful production in entertainment history. After witnessing last night’s performance, it’s easy to see why!

This legendary Irish dance show emerges from the dreams of the little spirit, a classic tale of good versus evil where the lord of the dance must fight against evil in the form of the Dark Lord and his army of warriors.

Alongside the extremely high energy Irish dancing, the audience enjoyed some fantastic singing with Carrickfergus favourite. The two fiddle players were also extremely talented and helped tell the story brilliantly.

After 25 years on the road, the show is as fresh and exciting as ever. Here’s to the next 25! I would recommend that you catch Lord of the Dance while you can–It’s in town until Thursday July 7th. You can purchase tickets here.

Alannah x

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