Theatre Review: Ghost The Musical - Edinburgh Playhouse ✭✭✭✭✭

Ghost the Musical

Rebecca Trehearne & Stewart Clarke
Photo by Sean Ebsworth Barnes

Edinburgh Playhouse 

Review by Mhairi Greer

Ghost is a timeless love story that is known worldwide. Ghost the Musical takes the soul of the original film and brings it to heart wrenching life on stage with stunning special effects. Stewart Clarke and Rebecca Trehearn capture the love, passion and joy of Sam and Molly as they move into their new apartment overlooking the busy streets of New York. Their beautiful portrayal of the couple makes the inevitable even more upsetting.

As Sam tries to come to terms with his new existence as a spirit, Molly is left mourning the loss of her partner, which is felt in emotional songs performed exquisitely by Jenson. Although ultimately a sad love story, the interactions between Sam and Oda Mae Brown (Played at this performance by Karlene Wray) are brilliant, full of funny moments that lighten the mood of the piece. This is especially noticeable in the scenes in Oda Mae's physic shop. Wray also delivers strong vocals during I’m Outta Here.

All the cast excelled in acting and vocals, the show is also supported by the outstanding lighting, special effects and cinematic like backdrops, which helped to create the hustle and bustle of New York.  Paul Kieve's illusions certainly leave the audience guessing. The scene with the subway ghost (Stevie Hutchison) fighting Sam is a particularly amazing experience and wowed the audience.

The only tiny chink in this glimmering show's armour is that although the songs complemented the show and captured the character’s emotions, they did not leave a strong impression, with the exception of the unforgettable signature song, Unchained Melody. That said, Ghost the Musical is a superb show offering a true love story that evokes the audiences’ every emotion. Sam and Molly's tearful reunion in the finale ensures there's not a dry eye in the house. 

Five stars ✭✭✭✭✭

Listings Info

Tue 14 - Sat 01

MAY 2013    JUN 2013

Edinburgh Playhouse

GhostEdinburgh

More details

Tue 02 - Sat 20

JUL 2013    JUL 2013

Opera House Manchester

GhostManchester

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Tue 27 - Sat 14

AUG 2013    SEP 2013

Bristol Hippodrome

GhostBristol

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Tue 17 - Sat 28

SEP 2013    SEP 2013

Milton Keynes Theatre

GhostMilton Keynes

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Tue 01 - Sat 19

OCT 2013    OCT 2013

King's Theatre Glasgow

GhostGlasgow

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Tue 12 - Sat 23

NOV 2013    NOV 2013

New Victoria Theatre

GhostWoking

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Tue 26 - Sat 07

NOV 2013    DEC 2013

Sunderland Empire

GhostSunderland

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Tue 17 - Sun 05

DEC 2013    JAN 2014

New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham

GhostBirmingham

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GTA & HAIM join DAVID GUETTA as support for RIHANNA on her Diamonds World Tour

RIHANNA

GTA and Haim*

Join David Guetta** as support for

Rihanna’s Diamonds World Tour

*15^th & 16^th July Manchester dates only

**Cardiff, Twickenham and Sunderland shows only

With just under a month to go before Rihanna’s Diamonds World Tour hits the UK, GTA have been announced as support to the superstar for all her UK dates. Also joining Riahanna for 2 very special shows in Manchester (15th and 16th July) ONLY will be BBC Sound of 2013 winners, Haim. 

Matt Toth and Julio Mejia make up the dynamic, genre defying duo of GTA. Dedicated to their music, ?they stay holed up in their bedroom studio building beats that can set off any kind of dance floor. Producers without borders, GTA’s future sound has them sought after by some of the biggest names in the dance music game. They’ve had releases on Diplo’s Mad Decent, Laidback Luke’s ?Mixmash and A-Trak’s Fool’s Gold Records. They’ve remixed various artists from all genres, including Michael Woods, Trinidad James, Deadmau5, Wolfgang Gartner, Clockwork, Laidback Luke and A-Trak. With an endless creativity, a tireless work ethic and a fierce dedication to?their craft, GTA are making serious waves on dance floors the world over.

Haim, winners of the highly coveted BBC ‘Sound of 2013’ award, hail from the San Fernando Valley and consists of “Three sisters and a mister”. The multi instrumentalists, who sing in 3 part harmony, released their critically acclaimed, three song EP titled Forever, which is also the title track on the record. It can be downloaded for free at Haimtheband.com. Haim will be joining the party at the Manchester dates on 15^th and 16^thJuly, only.

GTA and Haim join the previously announced David Guetta, who will be special guest at the Cardiff, Twickenham, and Sunderland shows.

Get set for the most epic show of the summer!

Tickets for all other available shows are on sale now.

Prices range from £35 - £75 depending on city (subject to booking fee) and are available from www.livenation.co.uk or www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Rihanna Diamonds World Tour is promoted world-wide by Live Nation Global Touring.

RIHANNA DIAMONDS WORLD TOUR

UK ITINERARY 2013

10-June           Cardiff           Millennium Stadium               DAVID GUETTA, GTA

12-June           Manchester    Manchester Arena                 GTA

13-June           Manchester    Manchester Arena                 GTA

15-June           London          Twickenham Stadium            DAVID GUETTA, GTA

16-June           London          Twickenham Stadium            DAVID GUETTA, GTA

17-June           Birmingham  LG Arena                                 GTA

20-June           Sunderland   Stadium of Light                     DAVID GUETTA, GTA

15-July            Manchester   Manchester Arena                  HAIM, GTA

16-July            Manchester   Manchester Arena                  HAIM, GTA

Itinerary subject to change. For complete tour and ticket information, visit: 

www.rihanna.com 

MAROON 5 postpone June 2013 UK Arena tour - New dates announced for January 2014

Maroon 5 

Postpone UK Arena Tour

New dates announced for January 2014

Due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts, Maroon 5 have been forced to postpone their forthcoming UK arena tour.

New dates have been announced and tickets for the original dates will be valid for the new dates. Those ticket holders who wish to obtain refunds, should seek a refund from point of purchase by 30th June 2013. It was also announced that Robin Thicke would be special guest on the new dates in place of Neon Trees. PJ Morton will open all shows.

Glasgow's venue has now moved to The Hydro Arena, due to open in September 2013. Braehead Arena standing tickets are still valid for The Hydro. New seated tickets for The Hydro will be automatically posted out to current seated ticket holders after 30th June 2013.  Additional tickets for The Hydro  will go on sale on Thursday 23rd May 2013 10am, from www.thehydro.com and 0844 395 4000

Maroon 5’s Adam Levine says, “We are truly sorry for any inconvenience we have caused our fans and promise that when we come over in January we will put on a show to remember! We can’t wait to play in the UK again.”

Rescheduled dates are:

January 2014

Wed 8th               BIRMINGHAM, LG Arena

Fri 10th                 LONDON, O2 Arena

Sat 11th                LONDON, O2 Arena

Mon 13th             MANCHESTER, Manchester Arena

Tues 14th             GLASGOW, The Hydro Arena

Maroon 5 were originally scheduled to play the following five dates:

June 2013

Sat 22nd                BIRMINGHAM, LG Arena

Sun 23rd                LONDON, O2 Arena

Mon 24th              LONDON, O2 Arena

Wed 26th              MANCHESTER, Manchester Arena

Thu 27th                GLASGOW, Braehead Arena

WRETCH 32 announces UK tour dates

WRETCH 32 

ANNOUNCES UK DATES

NEW SINGLE ‘BLACKOUT FT. SHAKKA’ OUT NOW

on Ministry of Sound/Levels Recordings

Monday 13^th May – Following the release ofhis new single ‘Blackout’, Wretch 32 today announces a string of UK dates in October/November at the following venues:

October 2013

Wednesday       30^th                   Norwich UEA

Thursday           31^st                   O2 Academy Oxford

November 2013

Friday               1^st                     O2 Academy Bournemouth

Saturday           2^nd                    O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire

Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 17^th May priced £15 regionally and £18.50 in London (subject to booking fee) from www.ticketmaster.co.uk

‘Blackout’ is the first single to be released from Wretch 32’s forthcoming third studio album. Premiered on MistaJam’s Radio 1Xtra show, and also named Zane Lowe’s ‘hottest record’, the track was produced by emerging talent Knox Brown who hails from Birmingham and created the record in his bedroom studio. Watch the video here or listen on Soundcloud here.

Well-known for supporting new British talent, Wretch 32 was the first British grime artist to sample a peer when he used Kano’s ‘P’s and Q’s’ for his club track ‘Pop?’ earlier this year. True to form, Wretch has scouted hot up-and-coming London-based singer Shakka to feature on ‘Blackout’; his effortless resounding vocal melts over the samba drum rhythms and velvety bassline’s. Shakka has been a regular performer up and down the country for the past few years and Wretch has always kept a keen eye on his progress.

Laced with Wretch’s signature flow and discerning rhymes, ‘Blackout’ pays homage to soaring tribal vocal sounds, capturing a laid-back carnival atmosphere this perfectly sculpted track has the multi-layered depth of Wretch’s future-classic sound. The record demonstrates his willingness to try new things and his overall growth as an artist.

In 2011, Wretch 32 released his gold-certified LP ‘Black And White’ which amassed over one million record sales and had three top 5 singles including the gritty ‘Traktor’ and ‘Unorthodox ft. Example’. Crowned ‘MC of the year’ by MTV for two years in a row and as one of the focal artists for the 2012 Olympic Games, Wretch 32 has evolved his style into a seriously unique sound; chilled melodies, trademark bars and soaring choruses – all of which will be seen during his live show.

Wretch 32’s third studio album will be released later this summer. Blackout features remixes from T Williams, Bobby Tank, Petite Noir and Will And Bill. 

www.wretch32.com | www.facebook.com/wretch32music | www.twitter.com/wretch32 | www.youtube.com/Wretch32TV | www.instagram.com/officialwretch32 | www.google.com/+Wretch32

Gig Review: McFly - Wembley Arena ✭✭✭✭✭

McFly

Wembley Arena

18th May 2013: McFly formed ten years ago, at a time when boy bands were plentiful, but something about McFly stood out from the rest of them. They wrote their own material and always played live, and because of this, they have gained a huge following and a cult status in British music history.

With Harry Judd on drums, Dougie Poynter on Bass, Danny Jones on guitar and Tom Fletcher on guitar, piano and the famous YouTube 'Youkelele', they all share the singing for this final show on their UK Memory Lane Tour. They are joined on stage by a three piece horn section and another keyboard player, giving a fantastic huge and warm sound to their hits. Vocally they are all in splendid form, and the sound system was loud and crisp with the right balance of vocals over the instruments - well done to the sound engineers for making it just right.

The set started off with an acapella version of Memory Lane, Dougie, Danny and Tom in front of a red drape that comes crashing down to reveal a vintage style stage set, nothing too fancy, it doesn't need to be as the music does the talking. McFly are bursting with energy, giving us fantastic versions of songs such as 5 Colours in her Hair, Room on the 3rd Floor, Obviously and many more, the audience are dancing and singing along throughout. They also dress up with cowboy hat, builders hard hat, indian feathers etc... you know where this is going - yes, a version of YMCA squeezed into a mash-up of It's Alright and Don't Worry, Be Happy.

With an encore of three songs including the much loved It's About You and ending with The Heart Never Lies, the sold-out Wembley crowd went away singing the songs all the way back to the tube stop! It just goes to show that good songwriting and a fabulous live show is still here, and McFly certainly know how to do both.

Five stars ✭✭✭✭✭

McFly will be playing Royal Albert Hall on Thursday 19 and Friday 20 September 2013 for their 10th Anniversary celebrations, tickets go on sale at 9am on 25th May priced £25 - £50.

You can buy your tickets through Backstage Pass with our ticketing partner TicketMaster HERE

Big Brother’s NIKKI GRAHAME and BENEDICT GARRETT join X Factor's LLOYD DANIELS in hit naked comedy ‘Up4aMeet?’

 ‘Up4aMeet?’ 

Who IS she? Who IS she? She's Nikki Grahame! Voted second most popular Big Brother contestant ever, Nikki Grahame is quite simply a legend! Nikki is extremely excited to be joining the cast of the hit naked comedy Up4aMeet. When she first read the script, she said: "Who WROTE this, who WROTE this."

Director Jeff Moody knew, the second he met her, that he wanted to cast Nikki. "She was my favourite Big Brother contestant of all time. When I watched her, I found her fascinating, and I just wanted to give her a massive cuddle. Then when I met her, she's just as adorable. And she's actually a very good actress. I can't wait to start rehearsing her, and filling our script with Nikki- isms!"

Moody, who also wrote the play, is writing a special part just for Nikki. “We met for dinner, and we talked about what she could add to the play. Between us, we came up with a brilliant character – Stacey Grainger. She’s a TV presenter who’s fallen on hard times. She’s young, sassy, with a big heart – and a bit gobby. Stacey’s going to bring a whole new element to the play. As we were thinking up story ideas, we were laughing like mad.”

Nikki says: “I can’t wait to start getting to grips with Stacey. She’s a bit like me, but more so, if you know what I mean.”

Also joining the cast along side Lloyd Daniels is Dreamboy Benedict Garrett. The ex-Big Brother contestant and porn-star is delighted to be reprising the role of Spanish naturist Carlos after playing the role to much acclaim at Waterloo East’s theatre last year.

Touring throughout July and August the play will visit London, Brighton, Birmingham, Swansea, Liverpool, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

On casting, producer David Adkin said "I’m absolutely delighted with our cast. Lloyd is the perfect Scott and we’re very lucky wonderful to see Benedict return as Carlos.".

Up4aMeet is a hilarious and poignant comedy about social media. It's packed with witty observations, killer one-liners, and more gratuitous nudity than is decent. "Social media has changed so much of our lives," says writer/director Jeff Moody, "particularly the way we look for a partner. Up4aMeet has a tale to tell about the way we use smartphones and apps to find love - and the effect this has on our everyday life. There's a definite message in the play - but above all, we aim to provide a fantastic night out for gay men and their friends - a bit of music, some great gags, some loveable characters - and naked men! What more could you want!"

Production Information:
Producer: David Adkin Limited in association with Knockhardy Productions

JULY
10th – 13th The Courtyard Theatre, London 0844 477 1000 www.thecourtyard.org.uk
16th – 20th The Marlborough Theatre, Brighton 0800 411 881 www.marlboroughtheatre.org.uk
22nd – 24th The Crescent Theatre, Birmingham 0121 643 5858 www.crescent-theatre.co.uk
26th – 27th Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea 01792 602 060 www.taliesinartscentre.co.uk
29th- 1st Aug The Lantern Theatre, Liverpool 01517 030 000 www.thelanterntheatre.co.uk

AUGUST
2nd – 3rd AXM Club, Manchester www.up4ameet.ticketsource.co.uk
6th – 8th Electric Circus, Edinburgh www.theelectriccircus.biz/up4ameet
9th – 10th Oran Mor Theatre, Glasgow 08444 771 000 http://www.ticketweb.co.uk

Tickets: from £16.
Twitter - @Up4aMeetOnTour 

Website – www.up4ameetontour.com

Gig Review: The Boxettes - Jazz Cafe, Camden ✭✭✭✭

The Boxettes

Jazz Cafe, Camden

16th May 2013: So what happens when you get five female beatboxers together on stage, using only their mouths to produce an hour of music? Well you get a rather outstanding performance from five incredibly talented ladies, that's what!

The Jazz cafe in Camden is world renowned, and I can see why... Renowned for being tiny and hot in this instance, with the audience bunched together like sardines in a sweat box. But that doesn't spoil the evening you have ahead of you when The Boxettes glide down the stairs and onto the stage, picking up their microphones and getting straight into the action.

The Boxettes ooze style and talent, combining effortlessly with their lush harmonies and rattling bass noises. World Champion beatboxer Bellatrix is amazing at doing the drum kit sounds, the snare as tight as a tight thing! The ranges in vocals blend nicely together, with Alyusha Chagrin in incredible form (who I recognise from The Vocal Orchestra days). Kate Brown, Neo Joshua and Yvette Riby-Williams have huge amounts of passion with their performance, and all the girls take it in turn to do main vocals throughout the night, along with changing mics now and again to do the dirty bass! The raw vocals from all on stage are just awesome to hear.

The Boxettes write their own music, and the night was awash with various tunes like Stung Like A Nettle, a standout performance off Hattie, and even an improvised number about Charlie and a Chicken laying a little egg!

Puppet On A String is the girls new single which was released this week, you can watch the video below. If you get a chance to see them in action, do it! Miss them at your peril.

Four stars ✭✭✭✭

www.theboxettes.co.uk

THRILLER LIVE becomes longest running show at the Lyric Theatre in London's West End

Thriller Live

Photo by Irina Chira

Michael Jackson smashes a new West End record!

BUY TICKETS HERE

Best available tickets £37 (was £62.50)

Lyric Theatre owner Nica Burns strikes a Michael Jackson pose with actors Ramon Mariqueo Smith and David Jordan to celebrate Thriller Live becoming the longest running show at the venue since it first opened in December 1888.

Nica, Chief Executive of Nimax Theatres, appeared on stage at the end of the 1,815th 

performance to announce to the packed audience: “You are part of history being made tonight. Michael Jackson won so many amazing awards and set some impressive records in his lifetime - and he continues to do that today! This is my theatre, and I’m delighted to anounce that Thriller Live has become the longest running show  in its 125-year history.”

She then presented trophies from Nimax Theatres to mark the momentous occasion to Producers Paul Walden and Derek Nicol of Flying Music, the show’s award-winning Director/Choreographer Gary Lloyd, Musical Supervisor John Maher and to Original Creator Adrian Grant, whose personal association with Michael Jackson spanned 21 years and who first came up with the concept for the show. 

Gary Lloyd paid tribute to the dozens of singers and dancers who have performed in the West End production before over one million customers, and to the backstage staff, technicians, designers and crew who, he said, had all played a vital part in the success of the show, but largely go unseen by the public.

Thriller Live has shattered the previous long-standing record held by Cameron  Mackintosh’s production of 5 Guys Named Moe. 

“London theateregoers and visitors to the city have truly embraced Thriller Live,” said Paul Walden. “It is incredibly heartwarming that Thriller Live, now in its fifth year, is playing to some of the most enthusiastic audiences of its West End run, and it is thanks to those audiences that we have been able to smash this record. Recent sales have exceeded our expectations, telling us that the West End does not want to say goodbye to Thriller Live any time soon!” The show is currently booking to 16 March, 2014.

Producers recently enhanced the show by introducing an exciting new opening featuring new video material and graphics. Thriller Live has now thrilled more than 2.3 million people worldwide after playing in 26 countries, including Germany, Japan, Italy, Poland, Denmark, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, France, Singapore, South Africa, China, Sweden, Finland and Norway. 

Thriller Live moonwalked into the West End in January 2009 after three acclaimed UK tours. It is currently also on tour in Brazil. 

Unlike other West End productions, Thriller Live is not a rigid book musical with set songs, but is a constantly evolving music concert celebration. When Michael Jackson died, the Lyric Theatre became a focus for fans from all over the world, who created a massive shrine of flowers, candles, and tributes. More than 40 books of condolence were signed in the foyer then sent to the Jackson family. A year after his death, a permanent West End memorial to Michael was unveiled in the theatre foyer. 

Thriller Live brings to life on stage the distinctive high-energy dancing and pulsating sound of many of pop’s greatest hits, blending eye-popping video footage and effects together with dazzling choreography. The show has regularly been updated with additional songs, new visuals and choreography. 

To date, more than 30 young boys have so far sung the hits of the young MJ in the West End and around the world. The need to have six available at any one time has led the producers of Thriller Live to launch a training academy to develop boys for the role of the young Michael. The MJ Academy opened its doors for the first time on Friday 9 November, 2012. Would-be MJs get classes in singing and dancing every Friday between 5pm and 8pm, with terms lasting three months.

Ramon Mariqueo Smith, who sang the songs of the young MJ last night, was one of the first graduates of the MJ Academy.