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Posts Tagged ‘theatre’

Our Top 5 Theatre Podcasts

Thursday, March 26th, 2020

If your missing your Theatre fun at the moment don’t worry we’ve got you covered. We’ve put together our Top 5 Theatre Podcasts, that will certainly make you feel like you have front row seats!

Our Top 5 Theatre Podcasts

Backstage With
‘Backstage With’ takes fans behind the scenes with the biggest names in musical theatre at the moment. The latest episodes include Sarah Bareilles and Gavin Creel who talk about the success of the sweet as pie musical ‘Waitress’, a conversation with multi- award winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz (The Prince of Egypt, Wicked) recorded a few days before ‘The Prince of Egypt’s’ opening night. The podcast also features candid backstage gossip expect industry secrets, eyebrow raising stories and behind the scenes access.

Welcome to The Rock
Fans of the multi award winning musical ‘Come From Away’, will love this eight part Rock- Cast. Each episode features an in- depth interview from cast and creative members as well as the real people who inspired the story from ‘Come From Away’. This musical has taken the West End by storm, playing to nightly standing ovations. The joyous musical tells the incredible real- life story of the 7,000 air passengers from all over the world who were grounded in Canada during the wake of 9/11 and the small Newfoundland community that invited these ‘Come From Aways’ into their lives.

Musical Talk
Musical Talk is the Uk’s only independent musical theatre podcast that brings you weekly interviews, reviews and analysis of musical theatre direct from London. In just one episode alone they interview Stephen Sondheim, Johnny Depp, Alan Rickman, Helena Bonham- Carter and Tim Burton. Give it a listen if you’re a true theatre fan!

The Musicals and Theatre Podcast- Magic Radio
Get closer to the stars of the stage with ‘The Musicals and Theatre Podcast! In each episode Magic Radio’s Alice Arnold chats with a writer, composer, producer or performer from the world of the theatre. With guests including theatre royalty Ruthie Henshall and Michael Ball.

Post Show Drinks- Encore Radio
Post- Show Drinks is a new musical theatre podcast showcasing actors from the West End and beyond. The series explores pre- show rituals to funny bloopers and magical moments. The latest episodes have featured Daisy Wood- Davis and Laura Baldwin from the UK Tour of ‘Beautiful – The Carole King musical, talking about how tough it is to know when to take the right job in musical theatre.

 

 

 

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Top Tips to help your child perform with confidence- Parenting Coach Caroline Rowett

Thursday, February 20th, 2020

We recently met with Caroline Rowett, a expert parenting coach. Below Caroline has identified 8 ways you can help your child perform with confidence.

Tips for Parents of Performers

  1. What are your expectations of your child’s performance? Parents face a lot of judgement and so may feel validated when their child behaves well and performs well. Be honest with yourself, are you needing your child’s perfect performance? If you are, understanding and dealing with your own need is the first step to ensuring that the messages you are giving, consciously or unconsciously, support rather than pressurise your child.
  2. What assumptions are you making? They could be anything from: if my child forgets the lines everyone will think I’m a rubbish parent; to if my child isn’t talented everyone will know I’m not either. You don’t need perfect children to prove your worth. Understanding what thoughts drive our actions and knowing how we can change those thoughts can free us to have the confidence to be ourselves and let our children be themselves.
  3. Spend a moment finding your inner calm and if you can’t – fake it! Children can be amazingly sensitive to how we are feeling and if you are nervous, they may well follow suit.
  4. Spend time observing and noting your physical reactions to your feelings in different situations. Sharing experiences of how you calm your butterflies or slow your breathing can help your child see their options. If you share experience rather than advice, your child can take what might work for them, without feeling pressured to do as you say.
  5. If you suspect or know your child will be anxious about performing, do your homework. Research online or speak to your child’s drama teacher about tips that help. Explore the options with your child to discover what works for them.
  6. Put things in perspective. A show can be all consuming for you both but by talking about things to look forward to after the show – an upcoming holiday or birthday party for example, you can help take the pressure off.
  7. Get organised. Make sure uniforms are ready, jazz shoes are where they should be and you have plenty of time to get to the performance to avoid stress. Allow time to check in with strategies for calm if you know they are needed.
  8. Tell them you love them! That you have no doubt they are going to be just fab and to have fun and enjoy themselves.

Find your own parenting advice and the confidence to put it in practice with 1-2-1 coaching sessions or a group course.

For information and to book a 45 minute no obligation Kick Start to Confident Parenting session for £10 visit www.carolinerowettcoaching.com.

For 20% off your first coaching package booked quote SPOTLIGHTSBLOG

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Beautiful- The Carol King Musical Review

Thursday, January 16th, 2020

Last night some of our Spotlights team went to the Churchill Theatre in Bromley, to watch Beautiful, ‘The Carol King musical’ starring Daisy Wood- Davis, Adam Gillan and Laura Baldwin. The musical is based on the real-life story of Carol King, who at the age of 17 fought her way into the record industry with her first hit ‘Will You Love Me Tomorrow’. By the time she was twenty she was writing hit songs for the biggest acts such as ‘The Drifters, The Shirelles, Aretha Franklin and The Monkees’. The musical tells the tale of her greatest challenge, finding her own voice and searching for the courage to step into the spotlight.

We were amazed by Daisy Wood-Davis as Carol King, her voice was sensational! If you are a Carol King fan or maybe even if you’re not Davis will bring tears to your eyes from the moment she opens the show, sounding identical to King. Davis received a very well-deserved standing ovation at the end of the performance. Other stand out performers include Laura Baldwin who plays the part of Cynthia Weil, a chic and clever lyricist and Adam Gillan as Gerry, Carol’s husband. Singers cast as ‘The Drifters, The Shirelles and The Righteous Brothers were also pitch perfect with energetic dances. The set design at the Churchill was also incredible, authentically transporting you back to the 60’s. Beautiful is a poignant story, that will make you feel the earth move!

Children who attend Spotlights Theatre School regularly have opportunities to take part in musical theatre shows. Your child is welcome to attend a FREE trial class at any of our venues.

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Mary Poppins West End Review

Wednesday, November 6th, 2019

This week, Spotlights Theatre School were lucky enough to Step in Time!

Fifteen years after it premiered in London, Mary Poppins is sweeping its way back into London. On Tuesday Alan, Monnie and Scarlett were lucky enough to go and see the brand new 2019 production of Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward Theatre.

The magical story of Cherry Tree Lane and the Banks children has been brought to life through dazzling choreography, amazing visual effects and stunning costumes. Featuring the well-loved songs ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious’, ‘Chim Chim Cheree’, ‘Lets go fly a kite’ and ‘A spoonful of Sugar’ it was a musical production we won’t forget in a hurry.

The dazzling Zizzi Strallen returns to the production as the title role and her performance is nothing short of practically perfect. Charlie Stemp equally shines as the cheeky chappy Bert, Mary Poppins’ mysterious yet charming friend.

We were blown away by some particularly special moments that leave you wondering if there really is magic or if it’s all just silly nonsense like most grown-ups believe. This musical is a wonderful feel good show- brimmed full of magic, perfect for all the family regardless of age.

The world’s favorite nanny only stays for as long as she is needed so find your way to the Prince Edwards Theatre quickly before she flies off.

Children who attend Spotlights Theatre School classes regularly have opportunities to take part in musical theatre shows.  Your child is welcome to attend a free trial class.  We are now booking January 2020.  Please get in touch to book.

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The Little Shop of Horrors – Regents Park Theatre – Review

Thursday, August 30th, 2018

The Little Shop of Horrors – Regents Park Theatre

If you haven’t yet experienced the pure magic and joy of the Open-Air Theatre in London’s Regents Park, I cannot recommend the experience highly enough. I first went to Regent’s Park Open-Air Theatre, when I was at secondary school, to see a very memorable production of ‘A Midsummer Nights Dream,’ with my wonderfully enthusiastic English teacher, who really valued theatre and live performance.

I’ve been back several times over the years to see a few productions, including Arthur Miller’s, ‘The Crucible,’ which is one of my favourite plays. I always find the experience magical and inspiring. The outdoor auditorium is beautifully decorated with fairy lights in the trees and the amphitheatre itself, is magnificent. It doesn’t matter where you sit, as every seat has a great view of the stage. If you are planning a visit, you might want to consider bringing a blanket and a rain coat, as let’s face it, the British weather can be a little unpredictable!

On Saturday 25th August 2018, I went to Regents Park to see, ‘Little Shop of Horrors.’

The film, directed by Frank Oz, was released in 1986 and described as a rock musical comedy horror movie. The film is an adaptation of the off-Broadway show composed by Alan Menken. The story revolves around Seymour, a geeky florist shop worker who finds out his plant, Audrey 2, can speak. The 1986 film stars Rick Moranis, who plays Seymour and Steve Martin plays the infamous dentist.

The first thing I noticed as I entered the Regents Park theatre on Saturday, was the set. It was fantastic, and it set the tone of the whole evening. The cast were all extremely talented and they worked brilliantly as an ensemble of 16 actors, playing all the roles. Audrey 2, played by Vicky Vox, was outstanding. The idea of bringing the plant to life, to make her a character that can not only speak and sing but move, was genius. This production was slick, entertaining and so much fun. I can’t wait to see what’s on offer next summer, I’ll be back!

I also feel inspired and excited about our drama classes this autumn term.  If your child is age 4-16 years and would like the opportunity to try one of our classes for FREE we are offering trial sessions this September.  Please get in touch to book a session.

Faye

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