London Trip May 2013: Viva Forever, Top Hat and A Chorus Line

My mum and I had our annual trip to London at the end of May this year and, as usual, we spent most of our time inside theatres watching musicals!

The first show we went to see was the much-discussed 'Viva Forever!'. A lazy script full of characters based on ones from television comedy shows, poorly constructed story-lines and deseprate attempts to make fun of popular culture. My point of view on these elements of the show agree with that of critics, however, what the critics have failed to appreciate is the cast, set, music, acting, singing and dancing. A Spice Girls fan at heart, this show was very enjoyable, included many of the Spice Girls' big hits and the singers and musicians made them sound show-stopping. The acting and dancing were energetic and exciting and the whole show was really good fun. We were dancing in the aisles, spicing up our lives girl power-style. Magic.

The second show we went to see was the Olivier award-winning 'Top Hat'. Stunning, traditional musical comedy poured from the stage from curtain up. The band were terrific and dancing energetic, characterised and typically 30s. The costumes and set were wonderful, and all of the elements of a fantastic musical theatre show fitted together perfectly. It had the 'feel good' factor and filled the gap within the theatre world at the moment where there are only a few old-style musicals with traditional charm and humour. I was so sad to hear that this show is to close as it was truly the best show I've seen in years.

Our final theatre-trip of the London holiday was to see 'A Chorus Line'. I had heard a lot about this show, including the fact that there was no interval! My mum was quite tired that night but managed through the one-act show due to it's engaging content, fantastic score and well-scripted characters. This show had thought-provoking content, taking each character as an individual including great songs, striking monologues and, at times, quite crazy dancing! The ending was so fitting to the role of a chorine and, although it was set in the 70s (or 80s?), so many of the stories are so relevant to people today. I was laughing, crying, stunned to silence and energised beyond belief all in the one show. I hope I get the chance to go and see this show again...really soon!

Bring on London 2014 Mum :)

Cats- A Dollar Academy Production

Dollar Academy took on one of my favourite shows and I will admit, I was worried! I knew that the school had some fantastic vocalists but, as a dance show, I had the suspicion that Cats would be too big a challenge.

I was pleasantly surprised. Not only did those amazing vocals find their way perfectly though Lloyd Webber's score, there was some beautiful pieces of movement too.

On the whole I felt that it needed more dance as there was too many moments of stillness on stage during the big songs, but there were a few girls in particular who absolutely nailed it. They moved like felines, whether waiting at the side of the stage, sitting posed, walking or dancing, every muscle movement was thought out. It was a pleasure to watch these few girls who had clearly looked for inspiration from their nearest pussy cat.

I had hoped to see more choreography from Cats, which is so famous as a dance show. The school has the talent, it just needs to be nurtured, polished up and choreographed.....if these things had been done this show could have been outstanding.

I can't believe some of the kids were only in 4th year....what a magical show. This school delivers once again with stunning scenery and costumes.... I went to the dress rehearsal so that really says something! The sound was spot on and the band sounded great....all done by school pupils. I heard the rest of the show week was a great success- congratulations!

Everybody cut FOOTLOOSE!

Pantheon is a club I have been eager to join for years after being a member of the other big Glasgow am-dram club, The Apollo Players. They always deliver a great show and footloose didn't disappoint!

I have to say I could be bias here as my boyfriend was playing guitar in the band and one of my best girls Faye Wiggins was a comedy character and dancer.

Faye belted out "Been working so hard!" to open the show and already won me over! I loved every minute of her performance and was so happy to be genuinely ecstatic about a friend's performance! She was full of enthusiasm, her facial expressions, attention to detail and strong dance ability making her easily one of the strongest cast members.

Donna Douglas, playing the character of Urleen shone out from the others in the main dance sequences, her accuracy of footwork coupled by natural charisma drew my attention to her everytime she came on stage.

The cast were overall really professional, the odd technical hitch with microphones hardly affected the powerful voice of Ariel and every one of the young male singers were matched in ability to the lead. As is usual for an amateur group, there is always one male lead that sticks out by having little dance ability. This was a little awkward to start but once he got into the show a bit more, his character took over and the movement flowed better.

I was so energised by Pantheon's production I left feeling really excited and desperate to get back into musicals myself! The club is going from strength to strength and I am seriously considering auditioning for their next production, High School Musical.