Moulin Rouge At The Piccadilly Theatre Review

If you're a long time reader of my blog you'll know all about my love for London. We tend to go once a year or so and those trips are something I look forward to every time. We went in March for 2 nights and had a great time seeing the sights, visiting some of our favourite places like Borough Market and this time we even did a little bakery crawl to find some of the places we've been wanting to try for ages. Of course while we were there we had to see a show or two. I'm still a big fan of all things musical theatre and for our first night we decided on a show we hadn't seen before, Moulin Rouge.Moulin Rouge is currently at the Piccadilly Theatre and as far as I'm aware it's currently booking up until September 2024. Despite knowing a bit about Moulin Rouge and having a feeling we'd enjoy the show regardless as I'd already heard some of the soundtrack, we didn't actually watch the movie until a few weeks before we went. I'm glad we did as it meant we had a better understanding of the story and we both ended up really enjoying it! If you're not aware of it though, Moulin Rouge is set in 1980s Paris and it follows Christian, a writer, who has travelled to join the Bohemian revolution. It's here he visits the city's biggest night club, Moulin Rouge, and he meets and falls in love with its star performer, Satine. At the Piccadilly Theatre you'll find the film come to life on stage in a spectacular way.

'A celebration of truth, beauty, freedom and - above all - love.'

As with any musical we've been to see, I was blown away by the cast. We visited on a Monday evening which meant we had the alternate Satine played by Angela Marie Hurst. She was incredible and a had a beautiful voice. She partnered up perfectly with Dom Simpson who plays Christian. He was probably the standout performance of the night for me, partly due to the way he sang one of his big hits of the night El Tango De Roxanne but he was also funny and just fitted the character perfectly. The whole cast are great and I'm not sure how they do that show so many times a week, it seems so full on to perform! A few other special mentions though have to be Matt Rixon as Harold Zidler who holds the whole show together and also Ben Richards as The Duke who I recognised from Footballers Wives which I was bizarrely rewatching a few months ago.

Another thing I loved about the show was the soundtrack. It's classed as a Jukebox musical so similar to shows like & Juliet, it uses songs that aren't all original to the film and it has integrated some more current music to the plot which is really fun. I really enjoyed the Elephant Love Medley in particular which features snippets of In The Name of Love, Everlasting Love, Don't Speak and Fidelity, just to name a few!The last thing to mention is the theatre itself. Piccadilly Theatre has transformed into something sensational and as soon as you walk in to find your seats, you're transported to what feels genuinely like the Moulin Rouge. There's so much to look at and I enjoyed having some time to just take it all in as it was unlike any staging I'd seen before. The set up is incredible, music plays the whole time you're waiting for the show to start and the cast even enter the stage early and are near you dancing and performing so it feels like the show starts before it actually does!This is a show I'd love to see again one day so hopefully it stays in the West End for years to come. I'd love to know if you've seen the Moulin Rouge musical or if there's any other shows you recommend?

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London September 2021 - River Cruise, & Juliet, Pretty Woman & More

 Hi, it's been a long time again hasn't it?! I was very unsure whether to even write this post actually as blogging just isn't at the forefront of my mind anymore but I still love looking back on old posts, especially more personal ones like this so even though it's taken a little while, I still wanted to write this. About 18 months later than planned, George and I finally got to go on the London trip we had planned and it was so worth the wait. When we first went in lockdown we all naively believed it really might just be 3 weeks and part of me really clung onto the hope that our April 2020 city break would still go ahead but clearly it didn't and it kept getting pushed back and pushed back. Luckily after re-arranging about a million times, September 2021 was the lucky month.We ended up going for 3 nights which was perfect as by the end of it my feet were absolutely dead and I don't think could have walked any further but it also meant we got to see so much and really take our time. There wasn't really any time to do anything on the first evening due to when we arrived but we gained an extra morning so the next day we got out early and headed to Borough Market. This is one of our fave places in London and we always end up making a visit. To be honest it was a little disappointing this time though. Maybe it's just the after effects of Covid still? There were far less stalls than usual, a lot of the ones that were there were quite samey and it just didn't have the same atmosphere it normally does. That being said we did try some amazing food, the main thing being a Moong Dal Dosa from Horn OK Please. This is honestly one of the best things I've ever eaten and I would happily go back again just for that.That afternoon we had booked to go on the London Eye River Cruise. This ended up being absolutely brilliant and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. It's only about 40 minutes long which I think is perfect really as you see so much but it doesn't drag. It starts at the London Eye and takes you along the River Thames showing some of London's most famous landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, St Paul's Cathedral, Shakespeare's Globe, Tower Bridge and lots more. The tour guide really knew her stuff and was funny too and we both left having really enjoyed ourselves. The weather wasn't amazing that day but luckily the rain held off for the boat trip and London is beautiful regardless so it was nice to just sit and take it all in. Tickets are about £13pp and I couldn't recommend it enough.That evening after a stop at Whole Foods and Creme Cookies, we finally got to see our first theatre show in almost 2 years. I was lucky enough to be invited to see & Juliet when it was first showing in Manchester in 2019 (you can find my blog post on it here) and it was obviously one of the shows we were supposed to see last year as it had transferred to the West End. It was completely worth the wait. I think it's possibly my new favourite musical as I'd go back and see it again and again. The cast are just insanely talented, the music is incredible, the set, just everything about it. The atmosphere was on another level and it just felt really special being back in a theatre. The next day started by venturing out to Notting Hill which is one of my fave places in London. Maybe because I've watched Paddington and Nothing Hill so much. It's just such a calm place, or at least it has been whenever we've been and there always seems to be something new. We had to pop into the actual Notting Hill Bookshop while we were there and I loved the idea of their 'Blind Date With A Book'. We both picked one up and I can't wait to read mine, it's an author I've not heard of before so it's such a fab way to discover books you might never have picked up before!We then went to Old Spitalfields Market for the first time and I can see this becoming a new regular spot of ours when in London. The most incredible food, we were absolutely spoilt for choice. 

That evening after a wander around Covent Garden, one of the most beautiful places in London, we went to see Pretty Woman the musical. Pretty Woman is my all time favourite film so I was super excited to see this. Again, it was just lovely to be sat in a theatre, there really is no feeling like it. It was so nice to hear all of the famous lines from the film and the cast again were amazing. Bob Harms who we actually saw in Come From Away a few years ago, steals the show but Aimie Atkinson, Danny Mac and Rachael Wooding aswell as the whole ensemble are just brilliant. The more I think about it, the more I just want to go back and see it again.I think both & Juliet and Pretty Woman were the perfect shows as our first ones back after Covid and lockdowns etc. I think everyone just appreciates everything so much more than before so the atmosphere is only even better, you could even tell the casts in both shows are just happy to be back doing their job! 

Like with any trip, it went too fast and I already miss it but luckily we'll be back in December so it's not too long to wait. I love London all year round but when the Christmas markets are on and everywhere is just so festive, it's only even better so I'm so excited. 

Where's your favourite place in London?

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4 Musicals I'd Like To See In 2020

Time for more theatre content because I would write about it every single day if I could and today I'm talking about the musicals I'd like to see in 2020. I did plan on sharing this a few weeks ago so we have actually booked a few of these shows since but still, I'm gonna include them anyway! Last year I did something similar and I ended up seeing two of the three shows I mentioned but I have a feeling 2020 is going to be the year of musicals for me 🤞. We already have quite a few lined up and there are so many others that are set to tour towards the end of the year, that I'm just determined to get to. 

Dear Evan Hansen 

The second show of 2020 for me will be Dear Evan Hansen (we saw Les Miserables a few weeks ago if you want to read my review) and honestly I don't think I've ever been so excited for a show. I've said many times on my blog recently that reading the book of Dear Evan Hansen was hugely comforting as an anxiety sufferer and there were so many parts of it that I found relatable so I think seeing the actual show is going to be emotional to put it lightly. It's a tough story but the score is beautiful, I can't wait to see how the songs are staged and the current cast have had fab reviews since they started in November. I'm counting down the days and fully expect to cry my whole way through it.

& Juliet

I love a double show day in London so after seeing the Dear Evan Hansen matinee, we're seeing & Juliet that evening. Quite a contrast but I think & Juliet will be just what we need after an undoubtedly heavy afternoon. I was lucky enough to be invited to see the show whilst it was playing in Manchester last September so I'm really looking forward to seeing it in the West End this time with the same incredible cast. I see it very much as the new Kinky Boots - a piece of theatre that whilst has it's serious elements and moments that will pull on your heartstrings, it's all out fun and you leave on such a high. We need something like that in the West End now Kinky Boots has left so I hope & Juliet sticks around for a very long time. I have the soundtrack on repeat and I just can't wait for what I know is going to be an amazing night out.

Six 

Six is seriously hard to get tickets for in London now as it's popularity has just grown and grown over the last year so I pretty much resigned myself to not seeing it for a long time but then they announced a tour! It's currently touring the UK and it will be playing in Leicester in Summer so we've recently booked tickets as we've been after an excuse to go back to Leicester anyway. If you're not a long time reader of my blog, George and I used to live there whilst in Uni but moved back a few years ago. I'm sure it will be strange to be back after such a long time but I'm looking forward to it. Six tells the story of the six wives of Henry III but with a little twist. It's had rave reviews and looks so much fun.

Pretty Woman

Pretty Woman opens at the Piccadilly Theatre next month in London and whilst I would absolutely love to see it, I do think the chances I will are pretty slim. The ticket prices are absolutely insane! I mean, it's Pretty Woman, I can understand to some extent but currently they go way beyond what I'd be willing to pay so I'm going to keep an eye out for any deals that come up. It's only set to stay in London for a year so it would be a shame to miss it but I do have a feeling it will tour afterwards which I imagine will be much more affordable. It looks like such a fun show and the music is brilliant but whether I'll actually get to see it or not, I'm really not sure.

There are quite a few other musicals touring this year actually so I'm hoping we can get to another one or two of those. Trips to London aren't cheap so I think it's great that more shows are starting to branch out now and taking the show on the road so more people get to see them. The Phantom Of The Opera is on my theatre bucket list and that's touring for the first time soon so that would be a dream but there's also Hairspray later in the year, Beautiful The Carole King Musical and Everybody's Talking About Jamie which I think would all be incredible!

I'd love to know if you're planning on seeing any musicals this year? Or have you seen any of the ones I've mentioned?!

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Les Miserables At The Sondheim Theatre Review

Last week I got to see my first musical of 2020, my first musical of this new decade in fact, and it was one of the longest running musicals in the West End, Les Miserables. Now, I'm usually much more about the modern musicals we have/have had in London e.g. Kinky Boots, & Juliet, Waitress but you can't deny that there are some classic musicals out there that are still running for a reason and Les Mis is one I've been a fan of for a while. I'm a huge fan of the film starring Hugh Jackman (if you've not been sure of Les Mis before, the film is a great place to start) and that's just made me fall in love with the music so when my 25th birthday was coming up, I knew what I wanted to do.

25 felt like a really big deal to me and as I've said before, birthdays aren't always my favourite thing. I just get in my own head about it for several reasons, one usually being that the 'OMG I'M GETTING OLDER, LOOK AT ALL THE THINGS I SHOULD HAVE THAT I DON'T, WHEN WILL I DIE' feeling goes through my mind. I know, dramatic but I kind of am. And two, I just get paranoid that because I love treating other people on their birthday, that I won't get the same effort in return. And to be honest, a lot of the time I don't, this year a few things have really got to me but you know what it's over with now, I'll get over it. But that's why I wanted to do something special. I wanted a distraction but I also wanted to celebrate so for me nothing beats a trip to London. We've been loads over the last few years but it never loses that spark for me. I get the same excitement every single time and I don't think that will ever go. Now whenever we go to London we try and see a show so as I've already said, this time we picked Les Miserables and it was just all I hoped for and more.

The show actually only re-opened on the 18th December as the theatre has been closed and refurbished over Autumn so it automatically felt fresh and new, like it had an added boost which I suppose after running for 34 years, was needed. As the show had only been open again a few weeks, it meant a brand new cast had also started and it felt like a real treat to get to see some of these people - Jon Robyns, Bradley Jaden, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Shan Ako, Harry Apps and Mark Peace, just to name a few. I first of all have to say how amazing Jon Robyns was in the role of Jean Valjean. There are only small moments he's off stage so I can't begin to imagine how tiring the role must be, it certainly looks full on and the songs are incredibly powerful but he played it with ease. It just looked effortless for him, like he'd been doing it forever. Even more impressive to say he's not long ago finished as King George in Hamilton (we actually saw him in December 2018) so he's gone from a show where he's on stage for less than 15 minutes to a show where he's pretty much on all the time and it's certainly a contrast in characters so it just made me appreciate him even more. I also have to say how incredible Bradley Jaden is in the role of Javert. Stars is probably my favourite song from the musical so to see him sing that was truly a moment I won't ever forget. He just commanded the stage whenever he was on and he had that power and intensity you need for a man like Javert. Jon and Bradley make an outstanding pair and I think whoever gets to see them in these roles are incredibly lucky.

Les Miserables Photos - Johan Persson

I also have to mention the women of the show who I'm just in awe of. Both Carrie Hope Fletcher as Fantine and Shan Ako as Eponine brought the house down with their renditions of I Dreamed A Dream and On My Own and both definitely left me feeling a little emotional. Okay a lot, is that a surprise? I saw Carrie in Heathers in 2018 so it was lovely to see her again but in such a different role. We only had one understudy on as far as I'm aware and that was Mark Pearce in the role of

Thenardier in place of Matt Lucas. Mark was absolutely brilliant, so so funny whenever he was on stage and he and Josefina Gabrielle as Madame Thenadier were perfect together as these unlikable yet hilarious characters. The whole cast was outstanding though, you can tell they really pull together to put on the best show possible.

The show itself is just so special and I'm so happy I can now say I've seen it as it really does deserve all the success it's had over the years. The orchestra, the staging, the lighting, just everything about it comes together to put on a fantastic show for the audience. The story of Jean Valjean is a powerful one and whilst he does take centre stage for most of the show, I love that so many other characters like Fantine, Javert, Marius, Eponine and Cosette get to tell their story too and have their moment to shine. Songs like One Day More, Bring Him Home, Stars, I Dreamed A Dream and On My Own all felt like real moments in the show and I know I'll remember them forever.

I know this review probably comes across as one long ramble which to be honest it is, but I hope I got across what a spectacle Les Mis is and why if you're a theatre lover, I think it's a show to see. The Sondheim theatre is stunning and our seats in the royal circle were better than I could have predicted so everything just added to an amazing night. As the night was so special though, I don't think I'll be heading back to see Les Miserables again just yet, I want to keep the memories of that particular night alive for a bit longer, I just don't think it could be beaten but maybe I'll change my mind in a year or two!

I'd love to know if you've seen Les Miserables? Have you got any theatre trips planned for 2020?

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My Favourite Musical Theatre Songs

If you've been reading my blog over the last few years then you know I am utterly obsessed with anything musical theatre. I saw my first West End show in 2016, that being Wicked and since then I have just fallen more and more in love with all things theatre and I genuinely don't know what my life would be like without it. Upto now I've seen Wicked twice, Kinky Boots twice, Heathers, Hamilton, Come From Away, Waitress and most recently & Juliet. In just a few weeks time I'll be seeing Les Miserables for the first time which I am SO excited for and then next year so far we have Dear Evan Hansen and & Juliet planned (again) so it's safe to say musicals are a big part of my life. Some shows I have found a huge comfort for certain reasons, some have just been all out fun and others have taken a real moment in history and found a beautiful way to share the story.

Of course each show I've seen has been full of amazing music but there are certain songs that have really stood out to me and have become special over time. Some from shows I've seen, some from others I haven't got round to yet but all favourites of mine regardless. I've chosen 10 songs from a variety of musicals that are my overall faves, the ones I go back and listen to over and over. Let me know if you're a fan of any of them too!

Defying Gravity - Wicked

Well, this had to be at the top of the list didn't it? One of the most powerful songs in any musical I think, Defying Gravity. The song that leads into the interval, it's a real stand out moment in act 1 of Wicked and packs such an emotional punch as Elphaba has just discovered the Wizard is not the man she once thought he was and she finds the courage to go out on her own. I will never ever forget both times I saw Rachel Tucker performing as Elphaba, the second time especially which was her final show was honestly one of the most memorable nights of my life. 

You Will Be Found - Dear Evan Hansen

Dear Evan Hansen is a musical that stole my heart last year and still hasn't given it back. I am utterly obsessed with everything about this musical. I've actually read the book this year and I can't quite put into words how much of a comfort I found it. Dear Evan Hansen is about some really tough topics - anxiety, loss, suicide and many more so it's not a light-hearted show really but for people like me who have suffered with anxiety for years, it just makes you feel a little less alone. There are lots of songs that get me but You Will Be Found is a real moment and I'm not sure I'm emotionally prepared to see this live next year. It shows you really aren't alone and no matter how bad you might feel, there is always hope.

Wait For It - Hamilton

It's coming upto a year since we saw Hamilton, I have no idea how that's flown by so fast and still Wait For It is a song that stands out to me from that day. In fact, this song felt really special from the first time I listened to it. I've written a few blog posts on my fave Hamilton songs so I've said before that it's so relatable as often it can feel like you're behind everyone else and never quite where you want to be.

Everybody Say Yeah - Kinky Boots

I just adore Kinky Boots. We've seen it twice so far and it's actually unfortunately closed in the West End now and it's just finished a UK tour but I have everything crossed that one day it will return. It's one of the most fun musicals around, the music is BRILLIANT but it's also full of heart. Everybody Say Yeah is the song just before the interval and it is the perfect choice to end act 1. Everyone's part of it, it's so much fun to watch and it leaves you on such a high. I will never forget seeing it for the first time and turning to George at the interval saying 'I don't want it to end' 😭

All I Ask - The Phantom Of The Opera

The Phantom Of The Opera is one of the most famous musicals there is and I am incredibly excited to see this one day. I tend to be much more about the modern musicals e.g Kinky Boots, & Juliet but you can't deny that the classic ones are incredibly special. I love how dramatic the whole soundtrack is to this and I imagine it's such a spectacle to see live. All I Ask has become a firm favourite after finally watching the film this year. I adore the lyrics.

What Baking Can Do - Waitress

A show about baking, how could I not love it? Waitress was everything I hoped it would be and more and hearing all the songs that I've been addicted to for years was just amazing. I love this moment in the show when Jenna is doing what she always does, baking her way through life, ups and down, through sadness & happiness, it's the biggest comfort to her and I totally relate to that.

Welcome To The Rock - Come From Away

Finally a song from the incredibly uplifting musical Come From Away. I said in my review of the show earlier this year that you would never expect a show based on the aftermath of 911 to be something positive but trust me, it will make your heart soar. I left wanting to be a better person and if a show can make you feel that with it's message, it's doing something right. There are many moments that stand out to me but Welcome To The Rock kicks things off perfectly. As soon as the drums start, the cast walk out and it's just nothing like I've seen in a musical before. So simple but so effective.

She Used To Be Mine - Waitress

Back to Waitress and I will never forget (how many times will I say that in this post) seeing the Katharine McPhee singing this. It's the most powerful moment in the show where Jenna realises how much she's lost herself over the years - staying with an abusive husband, now pregnant with a baby she didn't plan and dreams she hasn't fulfilled. It's extremely emotional, very relatable at times and honestly she brought the house down with it when we saw it, just incredible.

Who Lives Who Dies Who Tells Your Story - Hamilton

The amount I cried at Hamilton was not normal. During that second act, I was basically a puddle. Whilst I obviously knew what was going to happen and it's not a spoiler because it's real life history, Philip & Alexander's deaths hit me like a fricking train. I COULDN'T SEE I WAS CRYING SO MUCH. Who Lives Who Dies Who Tells Your Story is the final song and it's where Eliza Hamilton sings about what she went onto do after Alexander's death and the legacy they all left behind and it's just beautiful in every way. The lyrics, the whole cast singing together one final time, Alexander appearing, it ends the show in the most perfect way.

Raise You Up/Just Be - Kinky Boots

To end this post, let's talk about the final song in Kinky Boots, Raise You Up/Just Be. God this show is just so empowering! It shows that everyone can really be who they want to be, we should all do our best to accept ourselves and be happy with who we are and I think it's such a positive message to spread. It genuinely feels like you've just left a concert afterwards because it's a song where everyone can get involved, everyone's on their feet and you all feel like you're part of something together. I can't see a musical ever topping this one for me.

Whilst there are so many songs I love from a myriad of musicals, these are the ones that really stand out to me and always leave me wanting to see the show either for the first time or a repeat visit. I just can't quite put into words how special some of these are to me. I'd absolutely love to know if you have a fave musical theatre song? Have you seen many shows or are there any you hope to see one day?

Similar - My honest opinion on each musical I've seen so far

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& Juliet At The Manchester Opera House Review*

Some bloggers earn amazing amounts of money through their blog, some work with the biggest beauty brands in the world, and some just plod along doing okay, doing their thing and just seeing what comes their way like me. And I'm totally okay with that. But recently I've had a few opportunities which have honestly made my year. I'm not afraid to say that the first half of 2019 was quiet blog-wise, but because we'd just got our puppy Bear, I kind of didn't have time to go chasing opportunities so I reached a point where I was okay with it maybe just being a hobby again. Something seemed to change towards the end of Summer though and I'm so grateful for it because it's only made me even more motivated and made me realise how passionate I am about this blog. One of the amazing opportunities I was approached with recently was to be invited to go and see the new musical & Juliet at the Manchester Opera House, and as I'm sure you can imagine, being the huge theatre fan I am, I jumped at the chance! To some it might not seem like a huge deal, but to me, it's something I can be so so proud of and look back on one day and smile.

I've seen quite the variety of musicals now from Wicked to Kinky Boots, Hamilton to Heathers and most recently Come From Away and Waitress, but none of those are exactly BRAND NEW/never been done anywhere else before so with & Juliet I had very little idea what I was going to see. In case you haven't heard of & Juliet, let me tell you a little bit about it before I get onto my thoughts of the show though. 

'The most famous love story of all time. Remixed. What if Juliet's famous ending was really just her beginning? What if she decided to choose her own fate? Join Juliet on this sensational journey of self-discovery and second chances, told through some of the most glittering pop anthems of the last three decades. & Juliet is the hilariously irreverent new musical that proves when it comes to love, there's always life after Romeo.'

The first thing I have to talk about with this show is the cast. They are INSANE. As soon as Oliver Tompsett arrives on stage as William Shakespeare you feel his presence and he starts the show with a bang with 'Larger Than Life' by the Backstreet Boys. Yep, there's a lot of Backstreet Boys music in this and I AM HERE FOR IT. Not keen on the idea of Juliet giving up her whole life for Romeo, William's wife, Anne Hathaway played by Cassidy Janson who puts on a stellar performance throughout, arrives next and comes up with a new plot, what about if Juliet lived? From here we meet Juliet played by the AMAZING Miriam-Teak-Lee who steals each scene she's in and we see what her life might have gone on to become without Romeo in the picture. It's hard to really explain much else about the show without totally spoiling it, but it's a show everyone needs to see for themselves. Aswell as these 3 cast members, there's also David Bedella, Arun Blair-Mangat, Jordan Luke Gage, Melanie La Barrie and Tim Mahendran who all deserve a mention, but really the whole ensemble are outstanding. I was in awe of every person on the stage who clearly all adore the show and are so passionate about the story.

I've already briefly mentioned the music but this musical actually features many modern hits from Max Martin, I couldn't believe how many had been written by the same person! Domino by Jessie J, Overprotected by Britney Spears, Confident by Demi Lovato, Teenage Dream by Katy Perry, It's My Life by Bon Jovi and That's The Way It Is by Celine Dion, though there are of course loads more I could mention. I had no idea how these songs would make their way into the story but they do and it works! It's a classic jukebox musical but not overly cheesy. It's taken a story we've all heard a million times and added a really unique twist.

I also have to add the staging and choreography really make this show stand out too. The choreography was flawless, each member of the cast getting their chance to shine and no-one being overshadowed, and at times it really felt like a concert. Whilst the staging might not be the most complicated, the costumes and effects are some of the best I've seen in a show - the lighting, the double revolve, everything about it comes together to form one incredible show.

I honestly had the best night seeing & Juliet and I can't wait for it to arrive in London. I'm already just waiting for when I can book tickets, and I hope it's a show that runs and runs in the West End. I can see it being the next Kinky Boots, a fun filled show that leaves you feeling on such a high by the end that you can't help but keep going back. So many people have already made repeat visits and if I lived closer, I would have done the same. The soundtrack drops on November 20th so if you want a listen of all the songs included, keep an eye out for that, and the show is playing from the 2nd of November at the Shaftesbury Theatre if you want to see it for yourself which I really recommend you do. It's pure joy!

Have you got any musicals lined up? Do you think & Juliet is a show you'd enjoy?

*Gifted tickets but all views are my own

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3 Musicals On My Bucket List

I know I've spoken about my love for musicals countless times on my blog before, but that's not about to stop anytime soon. It's my biggest passion and there isn't often a day that goes by that I don't listen to some sort of soundtrack or that it crosses my mind, theatre just makes me so happy. I've mentioned before lots of shows I'd like to see one day but recently I've found myself longing to see certain ones, I don't know if it's just because it feels like a long time already since I saw one or because I know it's not going to be quite as easy as before to just hop on a train and book something from now on, but I thought I'd share the 3 that are currently at the top of my list and why I'm desperate to see them in the near future.

Les Miserables

Since I first properly got into musicals a few years ago, I pretty much went straight for the more modern ones e.g Wicked, Kinky Boots and Waitress. Not that Les Miserables is exactly an old musical but it has been running in the West End for over 34 years so it's definitely a little different to those I've just mentioned. I finally watched the film towards the end of last year and I absolutely fell in love with it. It made me love the music even more, I've watched it countless times and the ending makes me sob every single time. I've been desperate to see it live and luckily we recently booked tickets for early next year so it's safe to say I am already counting down the days. 

Dear Evan Hansen

This is a very close second on my bucket list and if I could go and see this as soon as it opens in the West End in November, I would. After reading the book recently, you can find my review here, I have just become completely addicted to the cast recording. The book has given it so much more meaning and if anything, I find it resonates even more now. It's definitely not the most upbeat musical as a lot of it focuses on grief and anxiety, but I find it so relatable. The book was a huge comfort to me so it's just a show I need to see sometime soon.

Pretty Woman

I am soooo excited for this to head to London. It's apparently coming over in 2020 so it's another trip to London I'll have to try and plan! Surprisingly I didn't properly watch the film until earlier this year but I totally get why it's so popular now and I love that it's been made into a musical. The soundtrack is brilliant, with music and lyrics by Bryan Adams and it sounds like they've done an amazing job of transitioning it from screen to stage. I'm really hoping Samantha Barks will be playing Vivian here, as she did on Broadway.

Have you got any must see musicals? I have such a long list of shows I'd love to see and ones I'm hoping will transfer to London one day but for now, these are my top 3!

Similar - My Honest Opinion On Each Musical I've Seen // Come From Away at the Phoenix Theatre

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My Honest Opinion On Each Musical I've Seen

I've been lucky enough to see quite a few different musicals over the last few years after completely falling in love with all things theatre in 2016. From Wicked which was the first show, to Waitress being the latest, each musical has been varied but each so special in their own way. Though I've reviewed each one on my blog I've been wanting to do something like this for a while where I sort of go through a few thoughts I've had about each show since. Sometimes I find months on, I'll completely re-think some things or a certain song will become a new favourite after hearing it live, so whilst this might be something most people aren't interested in, I'm gonna talk about it anyway.

Kinky Boots

I've kind of put all of the shows in to an order of my favourite but really it's so hard to decide! I think Kinky Boots will always, always be at the top though. We saw this twice, and I would honestly see this on every trip to London if it hadn't closed because it's one I would just never get bored of. It's just one of those shows I feel so passionate about, every time I hear the songs or I see something online (it's currently touring so try and catch it if you get chance!) I just remember why I loved it so much in the first place. I've lost count the amount of times I've listened to the cast recording, re-read my reviews and thought back to seeing the show. It just makes me unbearably happy. I'm already waiting for the day it returns to the West End.

Come From Away

This is a very, very close second to Kinky Boots, because I can't even tell you all the emotions it makes you feel throughout. You wouldn't think a show about the stranded planes and people during the week of 9/11 could be uplifting but Come From Away is the most beautiful piece of theatre. It's heartwrenching at times, I pretty much cried from the start, but it's also incredibly heartwarming and it shows just how good people can be sometimes. I left the show wanting to be a better person and like I mentioned in my review, a show that makes you feel like that, is a special one. The music is just everything in this too, from the very first beat in Welcome To The Rock, which genuinely makes you feel like you're part of this new family, to the last note in the finale, which makes you jump to your feet. I have to see this again one day, it deserves a long run at the Phoenix Theatre.

Waitress

This musical really surprised me actually. I'd loved the Waitress soundtrack for a good year or so, which meant I was so excited when it was announced that it was transferring to London, but then there were a few casting decisions which seemed a little odd and there was a lot of negative attention on social media. Because of this I kind of went into it not knowing what to expect. Of course I wanted to love it, but it's hard not to feel a little unsure when there has been so much negative stuff said. Luckily it was everything I hoped it would be and more! I actually think people have been very unfair towards the show and whilst behind the scenes it all seems a bit of a mess, what you get on stage is amazing. What we saw was a fun show that will having you laughing til it hurts, but then ready to burst into tears at other times, mainly due to Katharine McPhee's powerful portrayal of Jenna. Given Katharine isn't a huge name over in the UK, I did think it was a strange casting choice at first but she completely proved me wrong and won me over. I now feel so lucky that I got to see her in her first West End show. Her voice is just heavenly! It's another show I hope, despite everything, will have a long life over here. I need to time to go back again!

Hamilton

This was a real 'pinch me' moment. Though the Hamilton soundtrack took a few listens for me to really start to get my head around the story, once I got it, I was fully invested and it was like a dream of mine to see the show. Luckily we managed to get tickets for our 1st wedding anniversary in December and to be honest I struggle to see what will beat that for the next few years. We wanted to do something special and this was it. The whole thing just felt like a real moment that I know I'll remember. We had the most amazing seats, we had the full cast on who were all out of this world, especially Sifiso Mazibuko whose portrayal of Aaron Burr will stay with me for a long time, and the emotion that I felt was just on another level. I'm not ashamed to say that I cried and cried towards the end, as did many other people around me, and though other shows have of course made me emotional (I just have a lot of feelings okay), this really was something else. I feel so lucky that we got to see this at all, yet alone on such a special day. I don't think it's one we'll rush to see again just because I honestly don't think that performance can be topped and I want to remember that for a little while longer.

Wicked

I feel bad that this show has kind of slid to the bottom of the list but that's not because it was bad or anything like that. In fact because it was the first musical I ever saw I think it will always be special but since then we've just seen others that I've loved for different reasons or have moved me more. It will always mean a lot to me because it was the show that really sparked something in me and made me realise what an amazing world the theatre one is and honestly, I don't know what I'd do without it now. We had such a fab cast both times we saw the show and the second time was Rachel Tucker's last show so the atmosphere was nothing like I'd experienced before at the time. It's another show like Hamilton that I don't think I'd want to see again just yet unless the queen herself Rachel decides to return, the way she played Elphaba - I just can't imagine enjoying it as much with anyone else in the role.

Heathers

The atmosphere in the theatre for Heathers was actually insane. Some of the audiences we've been part of for shows like Kinky Boots and Wicked have been up there but the night we saw Heathers, the fan girls were out in full force. I have still never seen a show like it in that regard. This was another show like Hamilton that I genuinely never thought we'd get to see. It was all of a sudden over in the UK and then in the West End and all so quickly so it's only by chance that we had a last minute trip to London in October and ended up getting to see it. It was a great show, we got see Carrie Hope Fletcher as Veronica who really surprised me and it was actually a lot more fun than I was expecting. Looking back now, it is quite teen and compared to some other musicals, just because of the set and a few other things, it maybe did feel a little amateur but I'm certainly not complaining that I got to see it. Just probably not one I'd be straight away booking tickets to if it ever comes back.

I feel so lucky to have seen the amount of shows we have over the last few years and hopefully they'll be many more to come. Some I'd love to re-visit and some brand new that I hear are on their way over to the West End! I'd love to know what the best musical is you've ever seen? Have you seen any of these too?

Similar - My Top 10 Hamilton Songs After Seeing The Show // My Ultimate Musical Playlist

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Waitress At The Adelphi Theatre London Review

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, we saw two musicals when we were in London last week, those being Come From Away and Waitress. I'd been listening to the Waitress cast recording for well over a year and it was a show I was desperate to transfer to the West End so when it was announced, I wasted no time in getting tickets!

Waitress might not be hugely well known over in the UK just yet but it's about Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker who dreams of a way out of her town and abusive marriage. After finding out she's pregnant and then a satisfying run in with her new doctor, she realises there might be chance for a fresh start after all if she just believes in herself. The musical is actually based on the 2007 film of the same name which was written and directed by Adrienne Shelly and starred Keri Russell and Nathan Fillion. Again, it's not massive over here but it's a lovely film and it's been brought to life by a female-led creative team including Sara Bareilles who I think we all know for hits like Love Song and Brave.

Having Waitress move into the Adelphi Theatre definitely softened the blow of Kinky Boots leaving earlier in this year and I was so excited to see how the story would come across on stage. Despite having a few reservations about some of the casting choices when they were announced, everyone in the show is outstanding! Katharine McPhee after a successful run on Broadway is our current Jenna and she is out of this world. If there is anyone with a note perfect voice it's her, just crystal clear and a pleasure to listen to. She just seemed to get the character of Jenna, her portrayal was so believable. Marisha Wallace and Laura Baldwin were both hilarious as their characters Becky and Dawn too, the three of the women just go together perfectly. Now onto the men in the show. David Hunter who we saw in Kinky Boots last year is currently playing Dr Pomatter, and I was so happy when this was revealed. There was so much chemistry between him and Katharine and he was incredibly funny throughout. Talking of funny though, one of the stars of the show has to be Jack McBrayer who you might know from 30 Rock and Forgetting Sarah Marshall. He got the biggest laughs throughout and I honestly didn't want his scenes to end, absolutely perfect for the role of Ogie. Special mention to the rest of the cast too who were all just brilliant - Peter Hannah, Shaun Prendergast, Kelly Agbowu, Piers Bate, Nicole Raquel Dennis, Chris McGuigan, Olivia Moore, Charlotte Riby, Michael Hamway, and Mark Willshire.

Now the music! Omg the music. Each song is absolutely perfect. From upbeat songs like Opening Up and When He Sees Me to the funny Never Getting Rid Of Me and Bad Idea, and then the songs that genuinely make you want to just cry She Used To Be Mine and Everything Changes. I have to mention What Baking Can Do though. I've always loved that song but Katharine sang it beautifully, each note just seemed effortless. She really brings something special to each song.

Despite absolutely loving from Come From Away the night before, and wondering a little if Waitress could live up to that, we had such a lovely night and the show was just wonderful. There has been a bit of negative press around the show and how it's unlikely to be in the West End for a long time but I really do hope it has a long life here. The story comes to life beautifully, each song pulls you in and the cast clearly absolutely love being up there each night. It's a show I know I'd go back to again and again if I could!

If you wanted to know, our seats were in the stalls (P13 and P14) and the view was perfect. You don't miss a thing and they're actually not priced too badly so if you're booking a ticket, I couldn't recommend those enough. Also when you're there, you have to treat yourself to a pie! Not cheap at £6 each but it's all part of the experience, and I love the little touches like that they've brought to the theatre. The whole theatre also smells like fresh pie and cinnamon when you walk in too!

Have you seen Waitress too? Have you got any shows planned?

Other musical reviews - Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre // Kinky Boots at the Adelphi Theatre

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