Tag: Theatre

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Culture

The QUEENZ show throw an entertainment jamboree in Soho

The QUEENZ show at the Underbelly Boulevard in Soho, London
Theatre and Broadway meets drag excellence at the QUEENZ show in Underbelly Boulevard, Soho.
They served unimaginable vocals, fierce choreography and a stellar production overall by David Griego and team.
The QUEENZ https://www.queenztheshow.com/

I didn’t really know what to expect when I walked in but the atmosphere at the Underbelly Boulevard was bougie to say the least.

Flutes of champagne, prosecco and wine sat cosy at the entrance for the guests who put on their best outfits for the night.

I wasn’t ready to walk into a festival on a Tuesday evening but the energy in the room made me believe the weekend had arrived.

There was a press wall for all of the guests to take pictures with the gorgeous Summer Stone who was an absolute vision in fluorescent. 

Summer Stone with guests at the press wall https://www.queenztheshow.com/

It was press night and the room was crawling with media moguls like myself who just wanted to have a good time, professionally…maybe.

I made my way up to the theatre to find my seat in the VIP box (a subtle flex). The first thing I noticed was the word QUEENZ bedazzling and glimmering on stage. 

It didn’t take long for all of the seats to be occupied, everyone was eager to watch the QUEENZ waltz onto the stage.

They certainly didn’t waltz, they strutted onto the stage with a gracious stride to let us know they’ve arrived in power.

The energy these queens brought to the show with their incredible vocals lifted me to a high vibration state in seconds.

The command they had over the stage reflected the attitude of seasoned drag queens who have been doing it for years. 

And these are young queens, who have taken their experience as theatre/broadway artists and poured it into drag to create an astounding form of high art.

Picture credit: https://www.queenztheshow.com/

Bella DuBall carries the aura of being the mother of the group who draws the audience in with just her eyes. With her golden corset and fiery wig, she had the whole theatre in the palm of her hands and her irresistible gaze. 

She was unafraid to show us exactly how limitless her vocal registry was but it was her personality that held me hostage. She was witty, naughty and oozed goddess fantasy. 

Speaking of personality, Zeze Van Cartier was a big one with her moustache butch drag realness. Who devoured the stage with her voice and left no crumbs.

Her animated expressions kept me in the loop the entire time. She was the epitome of entertainment throughout the show with her magnificent presence.

She also enlightened us on a little history on drag as an art form and how it’s been around for over 2000 years. Which was quite interesting for me to learn as someone who thought RuPaul Charles was the start of it all.

One of the QUEENZ stole my heart with her vocals in a manner that made me believe she was the Cher or the Celine Dion of drag. 

Dior Montay had no business being that extraordinary but I’m not mad about it. And if that wasn’t enough repertoire, she also made us chuckle with some cheeky comedy. 

They were all comedy queens with a touch of theatre and exciting themes/concepts of characters for each of the queens.

Billie Eyelash was a fireball on the stage who was the ditsy sultry queen who was fearless and funny and an absolute treat to watch.

She brought a sense of lightheartedness to the show that was a breath of fresh air from all of the intense energy we were adsorbing.

Her comedy was refreshing and her vocals were stunning. And she could definitely be the girl next door you have a laugh and go reckless shopping with. She’s the loveable queen of the lot.

Candy Caned was the silly girl from Essex and the doll of the group. She pranced around the theatre and blessed me with a charming touch on my hand that made me weak in the knees even though I was sat. She slayed the high notes but it was the rap queen in her that made me gag for her more.

However, I was deceived towards the end when she nearly cried from the standing ovation we owed them for putting on an incredible show.

It was in her soft sobs that I realised that this was a team of lovely queens who have worked so hard in the past three years to get to where they are now.

Candy Caned made me see the heart behind the art and the sisterhood amongst them as they held hands to make sure she was okay. The queens then huddled after singing ‘True Colours’ to receive the love they so rightfully deserve.  

I would be wrong not to mention Jayce, an icon disguised as a member of the crew backstage. Who surprised us with their hilarious cameos as part of the bit. Death-dropping into our lives with snazzy silver boots and became the 6th member of the QUEENZ without breaking a sweat.

Picture credit: https://www.queenztheshow.com/

David Michael Productions have outdone themselves by putting on such an exquisite show with a production that was out of this world.

The lighting, the sound, the design and all of the colours on the stage were all extravagant, opulent and beyond extraordinary. 

This a show of a lifetime with the perfect group of talented queens who love each other and made us all fall in love with ourselves.

“I am a QUEEN” we all were made to say in unison and for a moment I felt like I was a part of the QUEENZ family. Which was truly a safe place for everyone to feel like they belong, feel loved and inspired.

Book your tickets NOW at https://www.queenztheshow.com/tour-dates/

Th QUEENZ will continue to perform from 11th July-18th August at the Underbelly Boulevard. Treat yourself to this magical show, we at 2Shades vouch for the QUEENZ to spice up your life.

Categories
Culture

GEORGE the play: A portal to the past and a token for the future

Léa des Garets as George Sand and Iniki Mariano as Marie Dorval in GEORGE at the Omnibus Theatre in Clapham Common till 14th July
In a cozy theatre in Clapham Common, a timeless production awaits you for a thought provoking journey.
GEORGE is a theatrical masterpiece with illusions of drama, emotions and real-time comedy.
GEORGE at the Onmibus Theatre, Clapham Common, London till 14th July

GEORGE is about a revolutionary french author in the 1800s named Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin, best know for her pen name George Sand. The play uncovers days in the life of George Sand and her friend/lover, Marie Dorval who motivates George to write again. Several male characters intervene their intimate relationship in the form of obstacles, naysayers and well, a snappy editor.

I arrived on time (luckily) to watch GEORGE at the Omnibus Theatre after panicking about getting off at the wrong stop. 

I entered a nearly full theatre which made me smile for Léa des Garets, writer of the play and her team for the growth they’ve had since the first time I saw them at the Criterion in November 2023.

I looked around at all the happy faces and envied the glasses of wine dancing on their fingertips. I was too comfortable to get up and I didn’t want to miss a minute of the show. Too late for that but perfectly ready to watch GEORGE again.

An intriguing background score engulfed the theatre, it excited me because I don’t think they had it the first time I watched the play. And there they were, Léa des Garets as George Sand, Iniki Mariano as Marie Dorval and Conor Dumbrell as all of the male characters back to steal my presence for the next 95 mins, I delightfully surrendered. 

I felt a rollercoaster of emotions for George Sand. Léa portrays her as an enigmatic character who seems to be on the same planet as us but isn’t. Drawing parallels to relevant issues in our current world from a period play is something I can talk about endlessly if I wanted to but there’s more to it in my eyes. 

As an observer I can say Léa, whether she knows it or not, explores complex layers as an actress to show George Sand’s personality in her own genius way. Sand is recognised as an established author in the history books but Léa’s talent truly shines when I saw no replica of research on the stage. Léa found fragments of herself in George, capitalised on them and made it her own. 

She made me feel resentment and admiration towards George. Who quite honestly was an obsessive pick-me-up girl, but had an abundance of talent as a writer and was unlucky to be born in an era that was ruled by men. 

Léa des Garets as George Sand

Léa breathed life into her stance as an infinite energy that questioned a system that laid limitations on gender, gender roles, sexuality and practical freedom.

I found myself relating to George more as a woman who wore men’s clothing simply because she could. It’s definitely more freeing and cheaper on my skin, I feel more at peace with my body and it helped me redefine comfort as a woman. 

If I could have George at my dinner table scenario, I would definitely talk to her about how women wearing men’s clothing, or “looking like a man” doesn’t mean they want to be a man, it’s more fluid and colourful than that. Style has no gender if people realise their eyes can see more than just black and white. 

The same goes for Iniki who played the innocent companion/lover, Marie Dovral. I believe George was attracted to Marie’s pure feminine energy that she yearned to have herself. Iniki’s portrayal of Marie made me want to be best friends with her and tell her she deserves better as a girl’s girl. But Marie saw hope in George as the future for women and admired her deeply for that.

However, the complexities of life as a woman at the time held them back from exploring a lifetime of romance together. They reflected the same mission as advocates for women in the generations ahead, but the odds were against them at an age where women’s fingers were metaphorically chopped if they dared to raise a doubt against the system.

Léa and Iniki’s chemistry and purpose on stage weren’t the only bits that drew me in, they had humorous exchanges and physical comedy that made me grunt-laugh. They were just two young girls at the end of the day trying to figure out the meaning of life, we’ve all been there. 

When it comes to humour and seamless transitions between characters, I’ve never seen anyone do it like Conor Dumbrell. He played all of the male roles and there were at least five or six of them. That’s a lot! 

Léa des Garets and Conor Dumbrell

He truly let his multiple personalities shine, it’s beyond me to even fathom how he pulled off such versatility, like it was no big deal. I had a grin on my face whenever he appeared on stage. I was mystified and hypnotised, he turned out to be the sticky notes on the pages of a book that I will go back to read again and again as the best parts. 

There was Q&A session at the end of the show where I heard Rute Costa talk about her vision as a director for GEORGE. She has a very profound way of thinking that proves she was the catalyst that curated such a harmonious team.

A silent leader who tailored the strings of a vintage set, chic wardrobe, intimate lighting and a gripping background score. But more importantly, she is their biggest cheerleader as she watches the play every night like she’s watching it for the first time.

The production team of this play carefully orchestrated every move in a manner that was both melancholic and serene. When you separate each element to bits, you will see the heart in every detail and the genuine love amongst the colleagues. 

Lèa des Garets and Conor Dumbrell

Conor surprised me with his humble attitude as he explained what this play means to him, and how unique it feels to him. He wilfully plays the “little man” roles, which is such an interesting parallel to how the world has changed now where men like him no longer find false pleasure in false power.

And Iniki who embodies a very poised and elegant aura spoke of how rewarding it has been to be part of such an essential story. She stitched Marie to my heart is so many ways, her skills as an actress are paving paths that she may not see now, but will see very soon.

After the Q&A session, I hopped down the stairs to go meet Léa who is the loveliest soul I’ve ever met. I also had the pleasure of talking to Conor and members of the production team who radiate such warmth and joy that I just didn’t want to leave.

Unrealistically, I didn’t want the play to end. Realistically, it was a play that left an everlasting impression in my mind. They are an astounding team of time travellers who gently remind us that our souls are timeless, the issues we face are unjust and that art will always be the answer.

They are currently in their last week of shows at the Omnibus theatre in Clapham Common, London.

Go here https://www.omnibus-clapham.org/george-2/ to book your tickets now and witness this team of revolutionaries in their element to expand your mind.

Here’s a peak at my interview with Léa des Garets who talks about her creative process leading up to the play, her wonder colleagues and her as a incredibly talented artist and human being.

Categories
Culture

Too Much Pills & Liquor: Theatre in a basement in Stoke Newington

Picture Credit: Liam Walton-Bell
Apparently the ‘theatre press’ whoever that actually is, won’t come out and review a show in a venue basement in Stoke Newington.
Some theatre critics – they obviously don’t know their history and that shows like Angels in America began life virtually in a broom cupboard with a 50-cent plastic shower curtain.
And we all know how that one turned out…
Dan de la Motte as Sam. Picture credit: Liam Walton-Bell

And the US influence is refreshingly present in Queer Brooklyn director Charles Quittner’s breathtaking adrenaline blast of a show, though has nothing in common with America’s obsession with a proscenium arch being the definition of theatre. His staging is literally electric.

It’s in that basement for reason, people. The world its central character Sam (Dan de la Motte) inhabits revolves around frantic urban nightlife spaces, thumping pop candy beats and light shows.

But if The Theatre Critics (“Who are you? We’ve never heard of this ‘Divine’…” had been bothered to lower themselves down those stairs, they might just have got a tour-de-force education in what immersive theatre really means.

White CIS-gender gay man Sam wants to do something about the toxic world we’ve made, especially its dangerous injustices to young Queer and trans people.

Picture Credit: Liam Walton-Bell

Instead he gets a job writing the Substack PR feed for monstrous X-Factor washout Riley Sabanda (but the gays love her, they love her…). And then it’s all urban meedja runaround, A-Gay parties with celebrities (and the gays just love celebrities, they love them…), drugs, sex, more drugs, more sex, knives in any back that’s turned for even a millisecond.

More sex, more drugs and existential, utterly narcissistic angst that’s very, very funny to behold, and becomes so real you quickly start to forget you’re watching a stage show.

Playwright David Levesley knows his subject – he was a journalist and former editor at British GQ. But it takes more than writer’s authenticity to make something like this fly, it takes biting talent.

The script is a genius–level thoughtstream of the identity crisis anyone who’s lived, worked and played in urban jungles like contemporary London will recognize in a drug-accelerated heartbeat. You don’t need to be Queer to get this.

Picture credit: Liam Walton-Bell

You don’t even need to be young. But you have to be willing to laugh at yourself. This is exactly what might have been born if Mark Ravenhill, Irvine Welsh and Edina Monsoon had got together in a club toilet and said, “Let’s do a play. Oh, g’won, let’s…”

But then there’s the old, old dilemma, the brilliant script, can it ever find the perfect actor who can really bring it to life? They’re Love/Hate relationships, usually more Love than Hate, unless you’re the late Carrie Fisher.

Both need the other to breathe -and really need each other. But the symbiotically perfect actor for that brilliant script did come right along, and his name is Dan de la Motte.

Playing every character, making that aspect a unique joy to watch in a way that so many one-man shows never really reach, it’s an explosive, savagely funny, magnetically attractive performance from an actor who’s clearly realising the height of his powers to hold an audience right in the palm of his hand for the entire show and take them just wherever he wants to.

You can’t take your eyes off him. You won’t want to. And at the curtain, oh, did they love him! When Sam’s pain comes, in amongst the viciously funny takedowns of the worst of what we’ve all become, de la Motte has the perfect beat to deliver a pathos and powerful meaning that takes you completely by surprise.

It ought to be a career making performance – it’s that good.

Dan De La Motte, Picture Credit: Liam Walton-Bell

So it can’t stay in that basement, though probably will lose a little bit of something very precious and unusual when it transfers – this has to go on to another venue.

However, you can still get it in its purest nascent state right there in the bowels of The Divine until July 2. Go for the last Sunday or Monday shows and you might just get to see Riley Sabanda appearing…No promises, mind.

Dan De La Motte. Picture credit: Liam Walton-Bell

For tickets, follow this link https://thedivine.co.uk/event/toomuchpl24/

Categories
Culture

THE CHOIR OF MAN

Review by Steven Smith

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Rating: 5 out of 5

As I was complaining to a regular theatre going friend about the West End prices of some shows and my need to see one show, he replied “It’s twice as good as it is hyped, The Choir of Man, easily the best show in the West End and does not cost a King’s ransom to see.” 

Truth be told it was a show that was not on my radar and hadn’t appealed to me. One rainy Saturday we took a chance and managed to grab the last two seats with my room- mate. The atmosphere seemed exciting enough on arrival with an eclectic audience. Many were repeat viewers; sitting next to me was an excited lady who had seen the show 12 times and was there with her friend, who was quoted as a “virgin” to the whole thing. 

This is the second time around in the West End for “The Choir of Man” and playing at one of my favourite theatres, The Arts. There is something about this show that makes you smile from the minute you sit down. Audience members are even asked pre-show to join the 9 cast members on the stage set, a pub called “The Jungle”.  

There is no complicated plot to the “The Choir of man “. It is this simple: 9 of the regular customers come together to tell stores and sing songs. 

I know, it does not sound like my cup of tea (or pint of bitter) either. 

However, there is a lot more to this gem of a show that will have you shouting “no” to closing time. It challenges stereo-types and pulls you into a really feel-good show that will have you not only smiling but wanting to go back for more. In fact, my roommate went back a few weeks later. 

The 9 man cast of Choir of Man

Each of the 9 cast members has a story to tell and as the show goes on, they unravel more of their tales with names like the Romantic and the Beast; you quickly identify with them.  This gives a sense of intimacy which allows you to enjoy the show but also get to know the real people behind the roles and champion them.

The Choir of Man title might be a little misleading as it not religious or that type of music.  It is the very best of vocal talent brought together. 

It is hard to sit in your seat as you want to jump up and join in with numbers such as Queen’s “Somebody to love” and Paul Simon’s “5O Ways to Leave your Lover”.

 The song and dance number will simply blow you away.  The absolute highlight was the ‘a cappella’ rendition of Adele’s “Hello”. If there was ever a reason to go back this was it. It even has a feel of immersed theatre with audience members pulled up to join in.

What makes this show so special is that it challenges what we may think a man is which I really appreciated, having written a lot recently about breaking the “Boys do not cry” mould. This is a show that presents all aspects of men and serves it up in a pint glass for all to see. For sure I will be getting another round in at “The Jungle “soon,

Choir of Man.  Get your tickets https://www.choirofmanwestend.com/book-tickets#/?month=2024-06

Categories
Culture

Steven Smith reviews Tiano

Steven Smith (middle) with Chris Hamilton (left) and Shimi Goodman (right)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Rating: 5 out of 5

It is an almost unthinkable scenario that Liberace and Pavarotti had secret love children, let alone that those children went on to inherit their fathers’ talents!

Then they met one another, fell deeply in love and married. Well, you would be forgiven for thinking just that, as married couple Chris Hamilton (Piano) and Shimi Goodman (Tenor) take to the stage to perform to a sell-out audience of dedicated fans. 

It is not that either look  like Liberace or Pavarotti, of course. Far from it, their model-like good looks add to the pairs’ incredible stage presence.  They do channel those great icons and more when you witness their sheer talent during the performance. 

Hamilton is a classically trained piano player and songwriter, whose wit and style is from another era. It reminded me of why I love New York, often falling into off Broadway venues and The Village bars, and hearing some of the most incredible talent performing Jazz and classic Broadway tunes. Boy, do I miss that. Chris Hamilton brought it all back tonight. 

Chris Hamilton (left) and Shimi Goodman (Tenor) (left)

Goodman has appeared in many West End shows and has a degree in musical theatre. He is at his very best when he seduces the audience with songs from Tosca and reduces them to tears with others. His range is exceptional and brought me to my feet more than once during the evening. 

They brought the house down with a melody of James Bond Oscar winners. The pair do Adele, “Sky Fall”, Sam Smith, “Writing on the Wall”, and Billie Eilish, “No Time to die”.

If this is not enough, they also belt out musical theatre hits such as “Seasons of Love” from the production “Rent”. My favourite is “Losing my mind “from Follies.

Though Hamilton does not exude the campness of Liberace, he does have the show man 

quality of the Vegas legend. I could not help but think that if there were a stage musical version of “Behind the Candelabra” (I hope there is!), the producers just found their man to play Liberace.

Being a gay man, what made the evening so special for me was watching a happily married gay couple look so in love and work together in harmony, without having to resort to clichés or innuendoes. They merely relied on their genuine incredible talent and professionalism.

It won’t cost you the sometimes dizzy-making prices of the West End to see the pair perform, but you will walk away thinking that you have seen one top show and want to go back again.

For booking and information: https://www.brasseriezedel.com/events/tiano-the-piano-and-tenor-duo/

Categories
Culture

Lizzie Musical: Unmissable Cast and Unique Story at Southwark Playhouse

“You will feel homicidal if you miss this little gem!” by Steven Smith

Rating: xxxxx (Axe-wielding 5 stars!)

Having just sat through one of the worst musicals in my living memory a few nights before (The time travellers’ wife), the prospect of a rock musical based on a true crime did not exactly fill me with excitement, especially one about the notorious Lizzie Borden who allegedly killed her father and stepmother with an axe. 

Only the fact that a friend had seen the opening at, what is fast becoming the out of town must go to venue, “Hope Mill theatre” in Manchester, raised my interest. https://hopemilltheatre.co.uk (Has this team ever put anything bad on?).

“Lizzie” is now playing at the delightful Southwark Playhouse Elephant https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk . Just to fill you in and I won’t ruin the whole story, but the musical looks at the reasons why she allegedly murdered her father and step mother. 

And at Lizzie’s defence with the help of an expensive legal team and the support of her sister Emma, maid Bridget, and friend and lover Alice.

Set in 1892 Fall River Massachusetts, the dark atmospheric set complete with an axe puts you in the mood for a something creepy quite early on. 

However, nothing can prepare you for the thrill ride that the show is about take you on: the cast of “Lizzie” are about to blow your socks off. 

This might be an old story, but the cast bring something unique and exciting to the stage. Five minutes into the performance my mouth dropped open and I had to hold myself down as I wanted to dance along with the cast. 

Directed by William Whelton and written by Steven Cheslik-de Meyer, Tim Maner, and Alan Stevens Hewitt my hat goes off to them 

Lizzie looks at some pretty dark topics such as abuse, interwoven with truly touching moments. The love story between Lizzie and Alice is beautifully handled. 

What really makes this a ‘must see’ is the cast, and there are only 4 actors plus a tremendous orchestra. Trust me “four” sure out-does “six”

With the cast raising the roof, you are forgiven for imagining you’re at the Globe theatre, watching some incredible classic acting that has been hijacked by an awesome rock concert! This is what makes the show so unique. They even manage to bring a comic element in the shape of Mairi Barclays, who plays Bridget the maid, without ever going over the top.

Lizzie is played by Lauren Drew (The Voice!), who is so tremendous in the role she deserves every award going, as do the whole cast to be honest.

Shekinah McFarlane plays Emma, her older sister who tries to be a guiding light to Lizzie. Shekinah is a powerhouse of talent you just can’t believe you’re lucky enough to watch. Her solo, “What the F**k Now, Lizzie?”, is one the highlights of the show.

Maiya Quansah-Breed is Alice, Lizzie’s lover. Again, she leaves you spellbound; the handling of the love between them felt so real it was touching. All the fab four should be at a theatre ten times the size. 

But lucky for me and you, they are not for now. 

There is not one thing I can think of that is not positive, except when it got to the interval I felt like a petulant child, “NO KEEP GOING!”. Even the clever costume designs deserve a shout out. 

For sure I will be going back to see “Lizzie” again and you should go too!

For more shows at the Southwark Playhouse in London, visit https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk