Cilla the Musical (rating 5/5) Following an acclaimed world premiere run in Liverpool, this musical whirlwind received a rousing reception at its opening night in Edinburgh. It is an exuberant and epic celebration of not only all things Cilla, but the swinging sixties and the hugely influential Merseybeat sound that put scouse singers firmly on pop music’s world stage. Written by BAFTA award winning Jeff Pope, who also wrote TV’s Cilla starring Sheridan Smith, the stage version has all of … [Read more...] about Show captures spirit of Cilla’s Mersey beat
Creative
‘We knew it would make a great stage show’
Jeff Pope (writer), Carl Au (Bobby), Kara Lily Hayworth (Cilla) and Robert Willis (executive producer) Cilla Black's son Robert Willis spoke to Pauline Taylor ahead of the Scottish run of his new musical telling the story of his mother's extraordinary career She was an icon of the swinging sixties who became the undisputed queen of Saturday night television. Cilla Black, singer and game show entertainer weaved her way into the nation's heart with her girl next door appeal and affable … [Read more...] about ‘We knew it would make a great stage show’
Grease is the word as Parker hits the Playhouse
One of the world’s most iconic musicals, Grease, hits the Edinburgh Playhouse stage for a five night run from September 11 until 16. The show, which was first performed on Broadway in 1972, has thrilled millions over the decades on stage, and famously on celluloid starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. The new version will star The Wanted pop star Tom Parker in his first theatrical role as bad boy turned good Danny Zuko. Parker’s co-star as sometimes simpering Sandy is Danielle … [Read more...] about Grease is the word as Parker hits the Playhouse
Bite-size delights and a recital to savour
Fringe review – The Big Breakfast (rating: 5/5) Piano Music of Erik Satie (rating : 5/5) A day off and an opportunity to grab a few quick shows, especially early in the day which is an added pleasure for those who may have other commitments later on. The Big Breakfast offers three "menus" of ten-minute comedies and mini-dramas and, having enjoyed last year's offering, it was high on the list of must-see shows this time. I chose Menu 1 which featured five short plays, and it was an hour of … [Read more...] about Bite-size delights and a recital to savour
Recreating Cloughie is a damn good thing
Fringe Review - The Damned United (rating: 5/5) An inescapable intrigue about this production is how it compares to David Peace's book and the subsequent big screen film but also to the main man himself. For those with first hand memories of the Cloughie years the story in all its formats is a familiar one of a man who believed not only in himself but in his own image of himself. Brian Clough was, of course, loved by the ordinary football supporters and mistrusted by the game's rulers in … [Read more...] about Recreating Cloughie is a damn good thing