theatre review – PixiePlanner

Ad – Come Feel The Noize At Rock of Ages

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 Rock Of Ages at His Majesty’s Theatre.

Rock of Ages as the smash-hit musical embarks on its 2023 farewell tour. They transported us back to the LA strip of the 1980s and the Bourbon Room with its Fogmaster 5000.

The legendary show tells the story of Stacie Jaxx–Played by Cameron Sharp and Drew–Played by Sam Turrell as they make their way from mid-town USA to Los Angeles in pursuit of their respective acting and rock n roll dreams. Both find work at the Bourbon Room, owned by the washed out rocker Dennis–Played by Kevin Kennedy, also known as Curly from Coronation Street. Dennis provides much of the show’s hilarity and had the audience in fits of laughter frequently.

Dennis faces a battle to keep his bar open as father and son duo Franz and Hertz, the German property developers, come to town and complete a dirty deal with the mayor to redevelop the strip. The crowd were treated to a huge number of rock classics, including Feel the Noize; We Built this City, Dead or Alive and Keep on Lovin You.

As the show ends with the entire audience on their feet to Don’t Stop Believing, Stacie and Drew discover that the dreams they arrived in LA with are not necessarily the same ones that they leave with. One thing for sure though is the audience had a great night–and for many we were back in the 80s even if just for a few hours!

If you’re ready to rock, then Rock of Ages is at His Majesty’s Theatre Aberdeen until Saturday 18th February. Tickets are available here.

Alannah x

**Ad – A Fantastically Funny Evening At Pride & Prejudice (sort of)**

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 Pride & Prejudice *(*sort of) at His Majesty’s Theatre.

This Oliver award winning play for best comedy is at His Majesty’s Theatre until Saturday. The performance comprises a cast of five women, each playing a role as a servant and one or two of the other main characters. How’s that for women’s empowerment?

The play written and produced by Isobel McArthur is an alternative take on Jane Austen’s original 1813 novel. First premiered in Glasgow in 2018, and following a hugely successful stint in the West End, this fantastically funny show is now returning to Scotland with its original cast.

The plot follows the original Austen novel, but brought to modern day with witty jokes and references. Costume changes are frequent and cleverly done to perfectly capture each character’s personality. I particularly loved the choice of the ladies’ Dr Martens boots!

Pride & Prejudice *(*sort of) is at His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen until Saturday 15th October. You can find good availability here at Aberdeen Performing Arts.

Alannah x

Ad – Believe In The Cher Show

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 Cher Show at His Majesty’s Theatre.

This epic new musical is in town for a five-night stint at His Majesty’s Theatre. The show tells the story of Cher’s meteoric rise to fame as she battles the various obstacles that were continually put in the way. This is a powerful musical that touches on the emotions as Cher makes her way through an incredible fifty year career.

The brand new production is produced by Strictly’s Arlene Phillips and choreographed by Oti Mabuse.

Three west end stars play Cher – Millie O’Connell as Babe, Danielle Steers as Lady and the Oliver Award nominated Debbie Kurup as the Diva as the story takes us through her younger years raised by a single mother to her leaving home at just sixteen to make her way in the unforgiving entertainment business. Her entire life and career is played out expertly in a glitter fest of her famous costumes.

The show features her greatest hits, including Strong Enough, I Got You Babe and Believe. The last scenes had the entire audience dancing in the aisles!

The Cher Show is at His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen until Saturday 8th October. You can find good availability here at Aberdeen Performing Arts.

Alannah x

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