On Thursday evening, 23rd October 2025, me, my boyfriend Aaron, and close friends Matty, Robyn, Emma and Emma’s teenage son Lucas, attended Doncaster Cast theatre to see the eagerly awaited Phoenix Theatre Company’s next generation “School of Rock” musical production 🎶 🎵 It was epic!
The show is based on the 2003 paramount film of the same name, starring rock icon Jack Black. A commercial and critical success, with a worldwide gross of 130 million dollars. Featuring rock classics from legends such as; Led Zeppelin, ACDC, David Bowie, The Clash, Deep Purple, The Who, Stevie Nicks, Cream, T-Rex, The Ramones, etc.
The film inspired and was in fact adapted into a dynamic stage musical, premiering in 2015 on Broadway, New York and later showcased in the West End, London. Andrew Lloyd Webber, a talented and highly distinguished creater, composed the production’s music, collaborating with lyricist Glenn Slater, and Jullian Fellows being the original author creative. The production features recognisable songs such as; “I’m too hot for you”, “When I climb to the top of mount rock”, “You’re in the band”, “If only you would listen”, and “Stick it to the man”
The story: Dewey Finn is the epitome of a “struggling musician”. Lazy, unstable, with no regular income or means to contribute towards his rent in his best friend Ned Shneebly/ Shneebly’s partner Patty Di Marco’s apartment. Deceivingly, he impersonates Ned, adopting the role as Mr Shneebly, a substitute teacher at Horace Green, a prestigious school. Although, at first, Dewey only endeavours to receive a wallop of cash for his pretend teachings, engaging no particular effort to teach anything, and encouraging the children to “chill” and take recess, on discovering their musical talents, overhearing a music class, Dewey devises a plan to secretly turn his students into ultimate rock stars; igniting a passion for music in them, encouraging them to embrace their individuality, creative flair, and adopt a rebellious rock star attitude, sticking it to the man! The end mission? Win the aclaimed “Battle of the Bands”, so Dewey can finally pay his overdue rent, yippee!
The stand out actor for me in the Phoenix Theatre Company production was Jack Hodgson himself as protagonist Dewey Finn. It was a huge honour for Hodgson to play Dewey, as he grew up idolising Jack Black and his fantastic band “Tenacious D”. He put in great effort, even having to learn how to play guitar 🎸 for the role. He was an absolute genius on stage, performing perfectly all Jack Black’s quirks, idiosyncrasies and mannerisms.
The adult cast were remarkably impressive. Emma Oates, who played principle Rosalie Mullins, has an outstanding voice. However, to be fair, all the actors were incredible, and the children especially were just phenomenal, some of the Horace Green prep school actually playing instruments live on stage! Hugh Ryan, aged 14, playing guitar as Zack, Jared Farmer, aged 12, playing the drums as Freddy, Finley Christian, aged 12, playing the keyboard as Lawrence and Kate Gibson, aged 12, playing the bass guitar 🎸 as Katie. Issabelle Small also did amazing in her role as bossy Summer, and Dusty Wheeler absolutely astonished with her vocals depicting the shy to sassy Tomika, her rendition of “Amazing Grace” simply gorgeous. Her dad was actually sat behind us in the theatre, and he was so incredibly proud as we engaged in conversation with him and he kept shouting “That’s my girl!”. One very poignant moment, towards the end of the production, where the children’s actor parents stand in the audience, to observe the culminatory spectacular “Battle of the Bands” song, Dusty Wheeler’s dad radiated real natural pride and raw emotion
Very impressively, last year, the Phoenix Theatre Company’s “Elf: The Musical” won the Salver for NODA’s North East Region best-all round production, 2024. So “School of Rock” had a lot to work up to!
From the official programme: “This prestigious accolade recognises not only the quality of the show itself, but the passion, dedication, and teamwork behind the scenes…This achievement is a true team effort, and we are deeply grateful to our cast, crew, creative team, and loyal audiences who continue to support and inspire us”
The very same could be said of “School of Rock “. It marks the director, Ian Walker’s fifth production with Doncaster Phoenix, and he has already began preparations for next year’s highly anticipated “Priscilla: Queen of the Desert”…
I am confident it will be, like “Elf: The Musical” and “School of Rock: The Musical”, a roaring success! ROCK ON!
All information obtained from the Phoenix Theatre Company’s School of Rock: The Musical official programme
On Thursday 10th April, 2025, me, my boyfriend Aaron and friends Robyn, Joanne, Sophia, Lou, Emma and her teenage son Lucas attended Cast in Doncaster to see the spectacular Easter pantomime, ‘Pinocchio’
The storyline to this production is centred on a naughty puppet, Pinocchio (Ryan Greaves), who appears to have no morals, and partakes in frowned upon endeavours such as truanting from school. He will only become a ‘real boy’, if he proves himself brave, selfless and true
Greaves is a regular to Cast theatre, appearing in every Anton Benson Productions (ABP) Easter pantomime; ‘Beauty and the Beast’, ‘Wizard of Oz’, ‘Rapunzel’ and ‘Robin Hood’. He co-wrote and directed ‘Pinocchio’! He has a first class degree in acting from Manchester Met School of Theatre and is absolutely hilarious! 😂
Phylip Harries is also extremely funny, the pantomime Dame, who has performed in countless pantomimes throughout the years, and even nominated in 2023 and 2024 for the prestigious Best Dame award at the Pantomime Awards
The malicious baddie this Easter was the well known versatile celebrity Bobby Davro as the sinister Italian Stromboli! This was Bobby’s 48th pantomime, however it is only the first time he has played a villain.
SPOILER ALERT: Stromboli forces Princess Tik-Tok (Kate Salmon), a doll wound by a key, to pretend to be in love with Pinocchio as to convince Pinocchio to be a part of Stromboli’s devious, greedy, money ridden schemes of stardom.
Kate studied at the Royal Central School of Speech Drama, graduating with a distinction Masters, and is an Associate Director for Anton Benson Productions (ABP). She is immensely talented
The Blue Fairy was played by Amanda Henderson in the panto we saw (a fan favourite, playing the lovely staff nurse Robyn Miller on BBC’s Casualty, for a decade). However, in the official programme it includes British media personality Katie Price in the credentials.. which may explain why there were a lot of Katie Price jokes 🤣
There was also special guest appearances from Zippy and George, characters from the popular children’s television programme Rainbow 🌈 Zippy is a five year old orange/brown puppet, with a zip for a mouth and George an eight year old pink anthropomorphic hippo [www.fandom.com]
The band consisted of Jamie Todd, a musical director and keyboard player and Jake Greville, a drummer and sound effects technician. The musical supervisor was Olivia Zacharia, the choreographer Beth Portman and the dancers were from the Allegro Theatre Dance Academy, situated in Doncaster
There were plentiful comical interludes and cheeky ‘dad jokes’, many of which teased Doncaster residents (i.e jokes about living in Doncaster). The Dame, Mama Geppetto flirted throughout with one of the poor adult male audience members! 😜
At one point, huge inflatable balls were bouncing all around the auditorium, water pistols squirting the unfortunate few at the front. There was a really funny scene assembling a table, to which it collapsed but then pretend nails were knocked with an inflatable hammer on poor Mama Geppetto’s head!
There was also an array of comical tongue twisters and rhymes, and so many innuendos which went completely over the heads of the younger audience members… words which rhymed with a ‘wonky’ donkey 🫏 🤪 and words rhyming with women names, for example, Pat and hat, Cath and bath, Pearl and swirl, Ruth and tooth, Jane and plain, Sue and blue, Annie and… 🤣🤣
With regards to musical numbers, quite a few songs came from Disney’s ‘Pinocchio’ such as ‘When You Wish Upon a Star’, ‘Hi-diddle-dee-dee’, and ‘I’ve Got No Strings’, but also others such as ‘Popular’ (Wicked) and ‘The Greatest Show’ (The Greatest Showman). Bobby Davro did an amazing job memorising and reciting hundreds of countries in his ‘Circus Medley’ (Act two)
As aforementioned, Anton Benson is the managing director and producer. The production team were astounding in relation to stage and technical management and production. The lighting, sound, scene, props etc were brilliant, the backstage crew playing a crucial role in ensuring a smooth operation, bringing organisation and dedication, coordinating well.
One very memorable scene, and a great example of clever staging, is where Pinocchio is supposedly drowning in the ocean, with an inflatable shark 🦈 predator pursuing him. The water is theatrically expressed by a blue horizontal cloth, spread out across the stage, to which Pinocchio and dancers stick out various bodily limbs and perform funny ‘drowning’ poses behind the cloth 💙💙
Tik-Tok turned out good in the end, Pinocchio saves the baddie, proving his worth and therefore becoming a ‘real boy’ and well, you could say, all is perfect in panto land..
One element I was somewhat disappointed with however was the matter of Pinocchio’s nose. The norm being, everytime Pinocchio tells a lie, the nose is supposed to grow 🤔 The extending nose prop was only used in one scene, maybe two which I recall, yet (and as I am sure many would agree) it is integral and an important aspect of the original story…
Despite this, I thought the production was exemplary, our bellies hurt from laughing so much, and I cannot wait for the next panto! 😁😁
All information obtained from the official Anton Benson Productions (ABP) ‘Pinocchio’ programme
Thank you ever so much for reading / viewing, I appreciate the support 🥰🥰
My next blog post will possibly be a Leeds travel blog, as I am visiting Leeds over the Easter weekend to support my lovely sister who is doing a charity run for Alzheimer’s Society, in memory of our beautiful mum. I am so proud of her! 😁😁
I am also still on with my ‘Alice in Wonderland’ diamond art 💎 🎨
On the Saturday 22nd March, 2025, my boyfriend Aaron treated me to an early birthday present, a ticket to Steve Steinman’s ‘Vampires Rock: Eternal Love’, at Cast Theatre, Doncaster. There was me, Aaron and our friend Lou. It was absolutely amazing!
Steve Steinman is an extremely successful writer, director and producer, a number one recording artist. In ‘Eternal Love’, 20 original songs are taken from Steinman’s epic ‘Heaven’s Gate’ and ‘Take a Leap of Faith’ number one albums. It is the third in his ‘Vampires Rock’ trilogy and has proved immensely popular. A rock musical like no other, with a mix of musical theatre, vampire seduction, electrifying rock anthems performed by extremely talented musicians, sexy dancing and Steinman’s aka Vampire Baron’s tongue in cheek hilarity 🤣🤣
Alongside his co-star, John Evans as Bosley, Reg Enderby, for the Nottingham show and gig guide reportedly said:
“Steve and John’s comedy timing brought back memories of watching the great Morecambe and Wise” (Eternal Love official programme)
The band was absolutely mint and I was not surprised to read that the dancer playing Ursula, Victoria Farley, was also the choreographer as she really stood out as being sensational. All the dancers put in great effort nonetheless
SPOILER ALERT: The storyline of the production in a sense was unrequited love. Medusa (one of the dancers played by Tanyth Roberts), is madly in love with Baron Von Rockula (Steinman), an old flame. However, he has just wed his new vampire bride, Xena Rock-Heart (Claire Zamore)… yet, all is not what it seems…
Me and some friends have already seen Steinman’s ‘Anything For Love: The Meatloaf Story’ a few months back, showcasing all Meatloaf’s iconic songs. You can definitely tell Meatloaf was a huge inspiration for Steinman’s music and style. It was actually how his career began back in 1994 when he appeared as Meatloaf on the very popular at the time, ‘Stars in Their Eyes’
We haven’t got our tickets yet, however, we are very much looking forward to his upcoming ‘Love Hurts: Power Ballads and Anthems’, featuring songs from the likes of rock legends Whitesnake, Aerosmith, Heart, Fleetwood Mac, Tina Turner, Foreigner, Van Halen, etc. It is going to be wicked!
‘Eternal Love’ was such a joyous feel good production. The vocals were absolutely incredible (especially Tanyth Roberts as Medusa), she is a superstar in the making!
The whole atmosphere, the ace songs, the impressive choreography, the props, scenes, comedy element…fantastic! It was very funny and ever so sexy 😜😜
Vampires Rock!
On Wednesday 2nd April, 2025, myself, Aaron and our two friends Joe and Lou went to see an adapted stage play of Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’ at Cast, Doncaster.
This production of ‘Dracula’ marks for the Blackeyed Theatre 20 years as a producing company. Their mission, to tell stories both theatrically and simply, fueling imagination; stripped back and bare. The style is adapted somewhat as the company receives little funding, yet they embrace this situation as an opportunity to push creativity.
True to the novel, the production converses journal entries, letters, telegrams etc
Nick Lane, the director and adapter of this show explains some of his artistic choices in the official programme. Accepting that the character Dracula has been rewritten many times, it is apparent there are many unavoidable associative tropes, yet he wanted to explore the complex side of Dracula as not purely a villain.
The character Mina is liberated as a self-aware, intelligent young woman, far from the norms of Victorian literature. Furthermore, Dr Hennessey and Renfield are played by female actresses instead of male as in the novel. This decision was made to highlight social norms of the time and to add dramatic tension. Nick researched widely “Asylums for Lunatic Women”. In Victorian society women were treated completely atrociously
‘Dracula’, as aforementioned, as an epistolary novel is respected and replicated in this adaptation. There were two key roles for each actor (only six actors in the entire production), and Dracula is played by three male cast members, his de-aging process dramatised by younger actors as the play persists
David Chafer had contrasting roles as both Dracula and Van Helsing, two immensely opposing figures. Richard Keightley, from mega confident Dracula to a timid, anxiety ridden steward. Harry Rundle, a young, physically strong and virile Dracula, dominant and commanding, versus the quieter role of Arthur
With this play, Nick wanted to portray both the familiar and the unexpected.
In cinematic history, Christopher Lee in the 1958 technicolour Hammer Head production of ‘Dracula’, was the first cinematic Dracula to have actual canine ‘fangs’, blood streaming, which became heavily associated until the more recent tendency to highlight the human within the vampire 🧛♂️ The metaphysical soul searching tale, such as with ‘Interview with the Vampire’ Anne Rice (1976)
In Bram Stoker’s novel, 1897, Dracula has a disgusting vile breath, he has fluffy palms, elongated ugly nails, a bulky nose… the overarching theme being the exotic and foreign threat to domesticated England. Invasion. We must remember, Jonathan Harker is a solicitor, travelling to Transylvania to facilitate a move to London. The xenophobic threat, the ‘foreign-ness’ of the count, entwined with the sexual, drinking female English blood (and, gasp, maybe male blood too 😲), penetrative and passionate. Written to horrify, but also to excite thrill and tittilate!
Most Dracula adaptations are inspired by the source, but most deviate from the storyline to fit with issues of their times, i.e. to today’s audience
This production by the marvellous Nick Lane explores the idea of ‘bloodline memory’ in a post pandemic world. The concept is that we all have ‘past lives’, we are reincarnated; our memories are transferred, our souls incarnated multiple times. That, under hypnosis, we can access our ancestor’s memories, feelings, skills, anxieties, phobias etc. This theory is cleverly linked to the vampire myth in the adaptation in the sense that when a vampire penetrates their fangs into an innocent victim, blood is not only drained, but the bloodline virus infects the victim. The vampire’s bloodline, their hundreds and thousands of years of memory dominating the host; supplanting them with centuries of violence; killing, feeding, hunting, until the fever completely overrides the victim’s own personal thoughts, feelings, personality…Eradicating their entire human being to become darkness, seductors of the night, monstrous, abhorrent and Undead.
My personal opinion? It was somewhat sombre, a sophisticated but very serious performance, in complete difference to Steve Steinman’s ‘Eternal Love’! Entirely opposing styles.. and in all honesty, though the Transylvanian accent was most applaudable, I would have appreciated more fangs and drizzling down the neck blood!
(All information obtained from the ‘Steve Steinman’s Vampires Rock: Eternal Love’ and the Blackeyed Theatre’s ‘Dracula’ official programmes)
🧛♂️🧛♂️🧛♂️🧛♂️
For my next blog post, I shall be writing a theatre review of Cast, Doncaster’s Easter pantomime ‘Pinocchio’… so watch this space! 😜😜
Thank you as ever for reading/viewing, much love, Lauren xx
This year, I have had the privilege to see five different Christmas pantomimes. Jack and the Beanstalk twice at Cast Doncaster, two amateur productions of Cinderella, and Alice in Wonderland.
The magic of pantomime – charming princes, a bit of banter, slap-stick comedy, running jokes, musical singalongs, wonderful costumes, bright and cheerful encounters, happy endings and living happily ever afters, what is not to love?
Jack and the Beanstalk:
I went on Tuesday 3rd December to see Jack and the Beanstalk with my grandma, and again with my close friend Robyn on Saturday 21st December. It was fantastic! Written by Neil Hurst and directed by Tess Seddon.
The ‘baddie’ this year was the sensational Robyn McIntyre as Countess Freshcreep. Such a sinister character with a very high pitched wail of a voice and a cruel cackle. My other favourite character was Silly Billy, played by Harry Gascoigne. I can remember him from last year’s panto. He was so energetic and had such an uplifting stage presence, encouraging the kids in the audience to shout ‘Don’t be silly, Billy’.
Ben Eagle as the Dame was brilliant too. He admitted in an interview that “the joy of playing a dame is that you get to flirt with the men!” Because his demeanor is so typically butch and blokey, it was very comical seeing him frolic around the stage in drag. It just works. He had plentiful ridiculous costume changes such as becoming a burger, a baked bean, a jelly bean and a runner bean!
Daisy the cow was so cute and “udderly over the moon” to be in this year’s production.
Joe Parker played a great Jack Trott, very expressive on stage, however I felt that his singing voice was not as professional as some of the others in my opinion, he kind of shouted a bit, which was a shame
Born and bred Sheffield lass Becca Lee-Isaacs was amazing as Jill, as was Misha Malcolm as Mother Nature, both had a very soothing, kind presence… I would say, actually, that all the other ensemble were marvellous too, the dancers and tap dancers in the junior ensemble
Something which really struck me this year was how wonderful the stage/props were. The way the Beanstalk grew from the well, towering upwards and spiralling sideways, was a truly magical sight. And the giant! WOW! I have never seen anything like it. He was ginormous, completely dominating the stage. I don’t know how they did it, making him animated.
It was funny how the goose laid a golden egg, water being sprayed into the audience with water pistols, cream pies in faces. It was hilarious hearing Silly Billy and Dame Trott attempting, and succeeding, an elaborate tongue twister, and Countess Fleshcreep’s cockroaches (esemble) creeping around behind the cast “They’re behind you!” Audience participation and children getting up on stage at the end of the show, personalising their own version of E.I.E.I.O. “Which side can sing the loudest?”
Very festive, and very fabulous 👌
Cinderella (Little Theatre):
Although Cinderella at Doncaster Little Theatre was only an amateur production, it was still rather pleasant. I went on Thursday 12th December with my friends Matty, Lynne, Joanne, Robyn, Chris and my boyfriend Aaron.
Cinderella, played by Kayleigh Harding was very elegant and demure, Buttons (Josh Dunphy) convincingly madly in love with her. The two young lads Benjamin Harding and Cole Blakely playing the Prince and Dandini were refreshing and vibrant and interchanged their roles perfectly.
Fairy G aka fairy godmother (Rhiannon Clark) played her part quite well, as did Baron Hardup (Malcolm Coy), and the Baroness (Chris Bolus), all contributing to an enjoyable pantomime experience.
The true stars of the show were however, in my opinion, Grizelda and Gertrude (Phil Towe and Alan Clark), the ugly sisters! They were highly amusing picking on a poor man in the audience, and kept teasing him! I think it’s fun for us in the audience when the cast members improvise – it adds another element to the performance, makes it more personable. Always good, a bit of banter.
As I say, a much smaller production but still good festive fun, with all the usual pantomime shenanigans…
“Oh, yes it was!”
“Oh, no it wasn’t!”
“Oh, yes it was!”
Alice in Wonderland:
My favourite pantomime to see this year was the Hatfield Woodhouse Phoenix Theatre Group production of Alice in Wonderland. I went on Thursday 2nd January with my best friend Robyn and her mum and dad, and my other best friend, Lou. I was anticipating this would be a good one, as I immensely enjoyed their Wizard of Oz last year.
They did rather well converting a classic children’s story into a pantomime for all ages (although it must be said, Carrol’s creation has been interpreted by many as adult themed).
The director of this year’s pantomime (Tina Bradbury) insisted to find a script, however challenging as it may be, not so traditional, but rather a funny, interesting and unusual one – surpassing expectations while keeping the panto magic alive. She made a few tweaks, to up the entertainment and keep everyone laughing, however, all of Carrol’s characters we know and love made appearances. Such as, Tweedledum and Tweedledee, the White Rabbit, the Queen of Hearts, the Cheshire Cat, Mad Hatter and the March Hare, Caterpillar etc
In this production, Wonderland is in grave danger. A wicked man, the Knave of Spades (Neil Scanlon) is hell bent on taking control of all Wonderland, and all the world! The Wizard of Muddleup Wood (Ian Weeks) can save this awful fate by means of a magical golden heart
In a world where the White Rabbit’s (Andy Green) large pocket watch can interrupt and alter time, Tweedledum and Tweedledee (Kev Bluck and Chris Bradbury) are hypnotised, the Queen of Hearts (Sue Lane) summons her strict Sargent (Ann Littlefield) to “off with their heads”, her subdued husband (Steve Mullen – King of Hearts) silently obeying her every command, where a lazy Caterpillar (Helen Bluck) smokes pipes and a bunch of high hippies wander in the woods trying to find Glastonbury, a Cheshire Cat (Kate Green) saunters mischievously, and Mad Hatter (Helen Green) and March Hare (Becky Bluck) host very very very very happy unbirthdays!
Helen Green was absolutely marvellous as the Mad Hatter, with all the quirks and idiosyncrasies. The White Rabbit made me really laugh as well, he was so much in character trembling about “I’m late, I’m late, for a very important date!”. The Prince of Diamonds (Grace Stevenson) and Princess Ruby of Hearts (Chloe Allen) did a great job. Alice (Jess Turner) although she admittedly did not shrink or grow in size (which would be pretty much impossible) her performance was most impressive and she had a lovely singing voice.
Her mother in the production was Dame Milly (Matt Allen), who, as all dames do, had an ongoing joke and flirt with the male audience members. Wally the Joker (Ernie Tonge) was a return cast member from last year, playing the joker then too I believe. Every time on stage he would say: “I say, I say, I say” followed by a corny joke. But it’s a pantomime, what’s not to love?! Cheer the goodies, boo the baddies!
All the cast, and all the chorus, did magnificently well. I particularly liked the Green Haggis, i.e. a little girl dressed as a cheeky haggis monster, scaring those on stage! “It’s behind you!”
The props and staging were again top-notch. My most favourite part was when they turned the lights off and beautiful fluorescent butterflies fluttered around the stage. It was truly visually and aesthetically stunning
Cinderella (Armthorpe Community Centre):
The final pantomine I had the pleasure of seeing this year was Cinderella at Armthorpe Community Centre, on Saturday 4th January for Robyn’s birthday! It was a great privilege as our friend Sandy played the fairy godmother. She was sensational!
This pantomime was pretty traditional, with a few surprises.
The ugly sisters, Gertrude (Emily O’Shea) and Grizelda (Lynne Piper) were uncharacteristically played by two women, not men in drag. They were hilarious. Emily (Gertrude) reminded me very much of Rebel Wilson, both in her looks and mannerisms (I bet she’s heard that one before!). The male victim in this panto was poor Ryan, who was the blunt of all Grizelda’s jokes.
I felt sorry for Rubella Hardup (Kirsty Stewart) as she forgot one of her lines, but picked it back up perfectly. Her husband Baron Hardup (Graham Newton) played another submissive role to a matriarchal domineering wife.
Buttons (Colm O’Conner) was very confident and charismatic, slick and smooth. Whenever anyone went near his childhood teddy, Bob the Bear, the audience members were encouraged to shout “Buttons! Bob the bear is being bothered!” Cinderella (Gemma Christina) played a lovely part, as did Dandini (Courtney Holdridge), but I was absolutely blown away by Chloe White who played Prince Charming. Her voice was outstanding and angelic and she definitely belongs in the West End.
Two characters adapted in were Bodget (Colin Head) and Leggett (Andy Barrington) as two comical demolition workers, knocking plastic hammers on heads instead of nails. Most hilarious however was the pantomime horse, which as we know, is two actors partnered in a single costume to theatrically represent a real horse, front and back! It was so funny seeing them try to get on and off the stage!
I know we are biased, but Sandy was a delight as Fairy G, sophisticated, graceful, so very pretty and sparkly
Something I loved about this pantomime was all the children were invited onto the stage at the end to sing and dance to Music Man “I am the music man, I come from far away, and I can play…” etc. A lovely gesture.
Helen Evans (the director/producer) did a terrific job!
Overall, I have had a wonderful festive time at this year’s pantomimes. The Easter panto at Cast is Pinocchio in April, to which I have already obtained tickets and Peter Pan is on at Doncaster Little Theatre in July…so watch this space!
Thank you as ever for reading/viewing. I much appreciate your support.
On Saturday 16th November, me and my lovely Auntie Cath went to Cast in Doncaster to see the incredible Crown Ballet production of The Nutcracker..
I have always wanted to see a ballet. During a conversation about Billy Elliot being one of my auntie’s favourite films, and her having seen Swan Lake in Bradford, which she said was outstanding 👏 , we decided to book up at Cast for what would be a fantastic Christmas ballet show 🥰
Marius Petipa (1818-1910) was a very talented ballet master, influencing, developing and pioneering a high mastery of ballet classical dance – The Nutcracker is considered a model of classical choreography; Petipa the founder of Russian ballet. In all of his ballets there is a specific subject.
In collaboration with Petipa, and working closely together, The Nutcracker was formed by Tchaikovsky, an extremely famous Russian composer. It was first performed 18th December 1892 in St Petersburg, at the Mariinsky Theatre.
Over 120 years past it’s infancy, the ballet remains an integral part of Christmas celebration. Petipa introduced the scenario, based on the Hoffman French adapted tale ‘The Nutcracker and the Mouse King’.
Although outwardly the pair, Petipa and Tchaikovsky worked together in perfect harmony, Petipa’s music was deemed too complicated for stage. Petipa actually drew out of production with ill health, and for several years his assistant Lev Ivanov took over the choreography, although Petipa continued to give strict guidelines!
Tchaikovsky was not actually initially impressed, however the story grew on him, and surpassed previous expectations, eventually loving it beyond all other projects. He had a ‘secret instrument’ from Paris, a tinkling celesta, forever associated with the sugar plum fairy 🧚♂️
The ballet was not an instant success, however it gained popularity, arriving in the West 1934, and now a universal Christmas favourite 🎄🎄
The synopsis of The Nutcracker is as follows (spoiler alert):
Act one, scene one: Christmas eve, and presents are gathered around a beautiful enormous Christmas tree; ballerinas, mouse dolls and a nutcracker, placed there by Marie’s father. A Christmas eve gathering commences, guests arrive and start dancing. A magician 🎩 suddenly appears, and moving toys start dancing too. This awes and fascinates all the children. A house keeper comes with a gigantic cake 🎂 It is revealed the magician is Marie’s dad, he offers out the delicious cake. Marie is too preoccupied however with her favourite nutcracker doll. As the night darkens, the guests say their farewells and the children go to sleep. Marie falls asleep with the nutcracker cosy in her arms.
Act one, scene two: Marie has such an awful dream! The king of mice, horrible and ruthless, tries to capture her beloved nutcracker. Huge ugly grey mice lurk around the room and bombard. Marie is very afraid. Thankfully the nutcracker bravely triumphs and imprisons the king of mice in a mousetrap. The nutcracker has injuries, but miraculously transforms into a handsome prince. Dancing under star-filled skies, the nutcracker invited Marie to a fairy tale realm
Act two: Everyone is joyous of the king of mice’s demise and are full of victorious celebration. The hosts of the magical world ball, the prince of pertussis and the renowned sugar plum fairy, welcome the transformed dolls. The dolls perform various dances from a wide array of countries; Chinese, Arabic, French, Russian, Spanish, etc – culminating together in an epic final dance… Unfortunately, it was all but a dream! Marie awakens on Christmas day morning, gently holding her toy nutcracker. What a shame!
The ballet was completely breathtaking, I was so impressed! So elegant, so classy, it swept you away into another world entirely. Poise, skillful mastery and sophistication. Iconic arabesques, powerful Jetes, graceful pirouettes, grand plies, the dolls dancing pas de deux duets. I was most impressed by the Arabian dolls 😍 They were simply superb, with their eastern exotic moves, all kinds of unbelievable poses, so talented!
Overall, I am delighted we decided to go see my first ballet, the Nutcracker. A perfect beginning to the festive period 🥰🥰
(All information obtained by the Crown Ballet souvenir programme)
I have a few things lined up for my next blog posts.. I am on with a small turtle 🐢 diamond art, and another one of two colourful zebras which will take me weeks! 8000 crystals! I also have a ‘winter fox’ Christmas themed pub painting in December, and I shall also do a theatre review in the new year of three festive pantomines: Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella and Alice in Wonderland! 💕💕 So watch this space!
As always, thank you so much for supporting me and reading my blog posts. All the best, Lauren xx
Yesterday I went with one of my best friends Lou and her family to see Steve Steinman’s ‘Anything for Love’ meatloaf tribute show at Cast theatre, Doncaster, it was amazing! 😁
Steinman is a very successful director, producer, actor and singer, with a vast fan base. He has performed all around the world. Notably, ‘Vampires Rock’ is in it’s 20th anniversary tour, a huge success for Steinman, proving massively popular, a blend of classic rock, and tounge-in-cheek hilarity, with incredible musicians. Also, his debut number one album ‘Take a Leap of Faith’, released August 2021, dominated charts. The songwriter John Parr (no I’m not related to him!) listened to Steinman’s album, and felt like it was destined for Steinman to sing one of Meatloaf’s ‘lost’ songs (never released) ‘Eveything They Said was True’. Furthermore, Steinman’s new musical masterpiece ‘Eternal Love’ hits the theatres next year! I am so excited to go as a birthday celebration in March! My cousin told me how amazing ‘Vampires Rock’ is, so I can’t wait to stick my teeth into ‘Eternal Love’ ❤️❤️
I was most familiar with songs 🎵 from the legendary ‘Bat out of Hell’ album, but there were a couple I was unfamiliar with. To add a bit of variety, the girl backing singers sang ‘Holding out for a Hero’ by Bonnie Tyler, and ‘All Coming Back to Me’ by Celine Dion, for example, Trixabelle Bold and Ashley Cavell, they were outstanding singers! Greg Morton however on the piano absolutely blew me away! He was exceptionally talented, along with the other musicians, Johnny Sax on the saxophone, Dan Stevens, James Marsh and Joe Brierley on the guitars/bass guitar 🎸 And not to forget John Evans, a terrific backing vocalist.. The staging was epic, with all the instruments and balls of fire gushing up 🔥
Some of my favourite songs were ‘I Would do Anything for Love (But I Won’t do That’, ‘Two out of Three Ain’t Bad’, ‘Dead Ringer for Love’ ‘Heaven Can Wait’, ‘Paradise by the Dashboard Light’, ‘You Took the Words Right out of My Mouth’ and of course the magnificent ‘Bat out of Hell’ 🦇🦇 I was swaying and happily singing along 😁😁 It reminded me of when me and my late mum went to see ‘Bat out of Hell’ the musical in London, 2018, before she got too poorly. She was bobbing along merrily too to all the songs then too! 🎵 Me and my sister grew up with Meatloaf, he was one of mum’s favourites 😍 Rather than feeling sad, I actually felt comforted and connected to mum, hoping she was at peace and looking down on me 🥰🥰
So, yes, a fantastic performance 👏 and I will definitely get booked up for ‘Eternal Love’ at Cast next spring. I am also going to the pantomime at Christmas time ,which I believe this year is ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ and I will support the little theatre too at their festive ‘Cinderella’ production..
Thank you as ever for taking the time to view/read.. all the best, Lauren xx
A few weeks back on the 9th April, me and my best friend Robyn and a couple other friends went to see Robin Hood – the Easter pantomime at Cast, Doncaster 😄😄
The heroic outlaw legend, Robin Hood, who famously steals from the rich, and gives to the poor, is certainly prominent in our psyches; depicted heavily in cinema, theatre and literature. Countless films (including Disney’s cartoon version) have portrayed the dashing swordsman and archer. One of my dad’s favourite films is actually ‘The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), with swashbuckler golden age of Hollywood – the hedonistic romancer, Errol Flynn
It was unfortunate that in Cast’s Easter pantomime, Louie Spence, who was supposed to be playing the bad ‘Sheriff of Notingham’, took ill and was unable to perform 😢 Instead Divino Decampo, a professional drag queen, actor and singer, understudied almost perfectly. As she only had a few days to learn her lines, she unsurprisingly made one or two mistakes/ long pauses (i.e. not remembering lines). But, on the whole, a dastardly delight, with a wicked, bold deliverance 😜
There were quite a few ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ former auditionees in the pantomime, such as Ashleigh and Sully playing ‘Maid Marian and Sully’, Jamie and Chuck’ as ‘Little John and Friar Chuck’ and George Sampson as a dashing Robin Hood. Sully the dog was exceptionally talented! Jamie and Chuck were very funny too, but I thought Ryan Greaves, who played ‘Wally Scarlett’ was a comic genius! He graduated 🎓 from the Manchester Met School of Theatre with a first class honours degree in Acting. Kate Salmon as ‘Fairy Cher’ and Wayne Morgan-Williams as ‘Dame Dolly’ were both fantastic on stage too, and complimented the other characters’ comedy very nicely
The production was so impressive. The song choices or ‘musical numbers’ were great. It was so much fun! Giant beach balls were flung out into the audience, sweets being tennis racketed, water guns etc.. 😁 (We stupidly thought the water guns wouldn’t get us at the back!) ..There were chicken costumes, and all kinds of objects, inflatable bananas 🍌/ hula hoops, all sorts, tossed around the stage! The cast impersonated a well known Chuckle brothers scene: ‘If I weren’t a so and so, I would be…’ with repetitive movements/ and bumping into each other! Dame Dolly and Wally Scarlett did the classic cake in your face, and a hilarious magic show involving chopping a cucumber 🥒 🤣
Overall, a brilliant Easter pantomime!
Thank you for taking the time to read/view 💕
My next few posts will be a ‘Stitch’ Disney diamond art 💎 🎨, a ‘giraffe’ 🦒 pub painting and a travel blog: Alton Towers with friends in May! So watch this space 😜
On 14th December, me and my best friend Robyn went to Cast Doncaster to see ‘Beauty and the beast’ the family pantomime. The theatre script was written by Neil Hurst and Tess Seddon directed
Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve wrote the first version of the fairy tale beauty and the beast, but it was adapted and abridged by Jeanne Marie le Prince de Beaumont, a French novelist. This is the tale we are most familiar. Influenced by ‘Cupid and psyche’ Ancient Greek stories, and the second century AD ‘The golden ass’. In terms of folktales, 4000 years ago it is estimated to have originated – and to this day there are still plentiful variants all around the world
The pantomime was spectacular, the acting superb. ‘Dame Cherie Trifle’ (Ben Eagle) was hilarious, as was ‘Philippe Philoppe’ (Harry Gascoigne), with fantastic frolics and fun throughout. ‘Emile’ (Max Gallagher) was everything you want in a baddie, and more. Arrogant, narcissistic, with a wicked laugh and a pompous pose. ‘Fairy Nuff’ (Claire Storey) was an absolute delight, a breath of fresh air, with her kindness and calming presence. ‘Beauty’ (Zweyla Mitchell dos Santos) was elegant and mesmerising, the ‘Beast’ (Kofi Dennis) transformed from irritable, moody and impatient to charismatic, charming and compassionate. With a brilliant modern song playlist, to fabulous costumes and aesthetics, it certainly did not disappoint.
Me and Robyn were on aisle seats near the front so we were frightened they’d pick on us, haha! As it happens, the poor bloke in front of us was ushered up onto the stage, handed a pink apron and shower cap and encouraged to dance and make a slight fool of himself, ha!
There was great audience participation, as with all pantomimes.. He’s behind you! Oh no he isn’t! Oh yes he is! Plus, as expected, rivalry in a sing off at the end – those on the left versus those on the right of the theatre! Amazing 😁
Aladdin:
On 21st December, me, my best friend Robyn, Matty, Chris and Joanne went to see Doncaster’s Little Theatre Christmas pantomime of Aladdin. My friend matty was especially looking forward to it
The story of Aladdin originates from the Arabian Nights, One Thousand and One Nights, enchanting Middle Eastern tales. The French translation of 1704 by Antoine Galland popularised the tale. In early versions surprisingly it is set in China (not Disney’s Agrabah) and features a lazy boy residing with his mum, not the orphaned favourable ‘rags to riches’ Street urchin we know today
The cast of the Little Theatre’s amateur production include; Aladdin, Wishee Washee, Widow Twanky, Abanazar, Princess Jasmine, Sultan Pepper, Policeman Snap, Policeman Crackle, Genie of the lamp, slave of the ring, and Duck Norris.
In particular, I was impressed by Paul Stelling’s Abanazar (a banana!) – he was very convincing in his portrayal of a baddie, with deep voiced powerful projection of his words. Likewise, the pantomime dame, Widow Twanky, was highly enjoyable to watch, and the Genie of the lamp flamboyant and sassy
However, it was quite evident Aladdin was only an amateur performance and not in the same league as say Cast, but for what it was, it was really good fun 😀
The Wizard of Oz:
The Wizard of Oz 1939, an adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s 1990 children’s fantasy book, is one of my favourite films of all time. Young kansas farm girl Dorothy (Judy Garland) wooshed away with her little dog Toto to the magical world of Oz. Ruby slippers, the yellow brick road, emerald city, the wicked witch of the west, munchkin land – fragments of the story embedded firmly in most of our psyches. It truly is a terrific tale
I must say ‘The wonderful wizard of oz…the panto!’ by Hatfield Woodhouse Phoenix Theatre Group, to which me, my best friend Robyn and her parents attended on 7th January, was the best amateur production I have ever seen!
The girl who played Dorothy (Faith Cousins) had a beautiful voice, I was spellbound listening to her ‘Over the rainbow’ 🌈 The props, scenery and costumes were out of this world. The producer/ director Tina Bradbury, actually noted the incredible effort of the backstage team, ahead of schedule weeks before the opening performance – cast learning their lines and songs eagerly – phoenix members sacrificing their own precious time to paint and make scenery
It was so funny and highly entertaining. Custard pies thrown out into the audience, water pistols squirted.. the cowardly lion running petrified all around the premises! There was a flying house (extremely clever effects), creativity with expressing the cyclone, ribbons gushing- flying monkeys, cool hip munchkin outfits, and blue mohawk wigs. It was incredible. The acting was top notch – the cowardly lion, scarecrow and tin man executed perfectly, and Chloe Allen as ‘Grotbag’ the wicked witch, booed and heckled. In fact, the entire cast were awesome. I was so impressed and would 100% go to another Phoenix Theatre Group production 😄
Puss in Boots:
On 26th January, me, my best friend Robyn, Chris, another Chris and John and siobhan attended the Little theatre for a ‘backyard’s production’ Puss in Boots pantomime.
Our lovely friend Jack played both the king and Scottish ogre. He was marvellous as the ogre, with such a distinctive Scottish accent, even if the scary green mask frightened some children in the audience!
I must admit, you could definitely tell it was only an amateur production, but they tried their best. The music choices were nice, as we’re the costumes, and the singing voices were mostly in tune. Also, the dame was particularly decent. The actual plot was rather inventive and impressive. Felix the cat, persuading his master (not really royalty) Harry to slay the nasty ogre to win the princess’s hand in marriage. Very fitting for a pantomime. It was quite clever however and artistic, the ogre being defeated by magically turning into a mouse in the transformation cupboard! The show concluded with a good old sing song! 😄
I am so excited because on 1st February me and Robyn are off with two more of our friends, Sheridan and Tyler, to the lyceum theatre Sheffield to see a professional performance of ‘The Wizard of Oz’.. 🥰 The ‘Vivienne’ playing the wicked witch of the west, I can’t wait!
So please, look out for another theatre review coming very soon. I am also on with a Lion diamond art, so watch this space! 🎨💎🦁
Thank you as always for reading/viewing. All the best, Lauren xx
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