A weekend in the big smoke!
IYA LUV!
I've acquired a bronze glow since we last spoke. I must admit, I miss the all inclusive life but hey, the banana shampoo and conditioner are working wonders - thanks Gran Canaria!
A lot of life has happened since my last blog too. So much so that I've been leaning on the people closest to me for comfort and motivation this past week. I've not quite had my usual drive, in fact most things on my to do list have caused me great stress. I'm grateful to my tribe, however, for looking out for me and encouraging me to buy ice cream. That's always important and a crucial part of most recoveries I find.
Anyway! Let me tell you about my trip to London over the weekend. A therapeutic, 40,000 step filled and all round joyous weekend. I treated myself to a couple of shows I wanted to see, both of which I'll tell you a little about! I also got spend much needed quality time with my best friend, as well as seeing her perform in one of her last shows at Drama School: pretty special.
Rosmersholm
Written by Ibsen and adapted by Duncan Macmillan, this piece of writing is effortlessly relatable to our current social and political climate, as if we were watching our reflections play out the issues of our society as it stands.
Remarkable.
At the heart of the storm that is this story, lies Rosmersholm, a great house with an exceptionally influential dynasty. The political future of the country will be decided by John Rosmer, a man torn between idealised hope of the future and ghosts from his past. There is an immense certainty of this circumstance throughout the play and as such, we feel that burden for actor, Tom Burke, playing John Rosmer.
He gives an earnest performance and quite a moving one. We, as the audience, see Burke take on a feeling and emotion that isn't often spoke about: that of guilt. His whole presence it riddled with it until the final moments of the play. I found myself so engaged with his style of acting and how frank he was when interacting with other characters.
Hayley Atwell, played the passionate and outspoken Rebecca West, and truly delivered one of the best theatrical performances I have ever watched. Within her movements, gestures and words, we understand her soul intention, what the characters heart and mind desire the most and how she battles with her own conscience.
In the setting of the play, a woman clued up on politics, with a head full of thoughts and pure ownership of her being, is VERY unusual and frowned upon. To which I laugh at - to think that this was once the case for women (although we still have a way to go I believe)!
The design of the performance was complementary to the text: quite beautiful in a dreary and grey kind of way.
For anyone who has seen or will see the show, I think it can be agreed that supporting male actor, Gile Terera, gives a stand out performance. A driven and never complacent actor. If there was ever someone I'd like to run for Prime Minister, it is Giles! He brings a powerful male voice and such clarity to the stage, even with his struggles to see eye to eye with his friend, Rosmer, whose opinions and beliefs change to those of equality and liberation.
The standard of acting from the leading roles and entire cast, allowed me to give myself over to this story, so much so that I wasn't watching a show on the west end but I was a fly on the wall of Rosmersholm. I was compelled the feeling for these characters, and I adored that.
Kroll: I'm afraid that poverty has warped your sense of reality.
West: And privilege has warped yours.
Two of my favourite lines from the show and two of the most prevalent! Go and see this show before it closes on July 20th.
The Light in the Piazza
Florence, Italy in the Summer of 1953. As American Margaret Johnson and daughter Clara explore the wonders of the city, a fateful gust of wind carries Clara's hat into the hands of Fabrizio Naccarelli, a sprightly, young dreamer. It is love at first sight, if not far more than that! Clara isn't quite what she seems, however, as a incident from her childhood emerges from the shadows as the story develops and we come to understand how her disposition has been altered.
This was most definitely a show on my bucket list!
With a musical score by Adam Guettel, you are most certainly in for an audible treat! Stunning composition and fitting to the Italian nature of the show. As the first scene begins, we soon hear the effortlessly beautiful tones of Renée Flemming, American opera singer and soprano. She upkeep's a maternal and passionate nature throughout the performance which really comes to portrayal in her solo numbers.
Other stand out vocal performances come from Dove Cameron, playing Clara, who has such innocence and purity to her voice. She takes on the challenge of this complex character with great ease, portraying her disability with honesty and integrity.
The story itself is very simple: easy to follow, even during the songs which are sung in Italian for those who aren't fluent. I actually found it a testament to the skills of these performers, for being able to communicate emotions very clearly through song even in a different language. Although, one might consider this to be crucial for this particular show.
None the less, it was quite easy to foresee where these character's may end up and there was very little left to the imagination. Had this production been in a smaller and more intimate space, I do feel that the charm of the production would have carried it. However, put the The Light in the Piazza in the Royal Festival Hall of the South Bank Centre, and be prepared to lose some of that charm in the vastness of the auditorium. The saving grace was the size and sound of the orchestra that accompanied the actors, really allowing us to appreciate this show musically.
Finally, a mention must go to Rob Houchen, who gives over to the music and emotion of the show beautifully. It is evident how much his character adores Clara, with her disability having no negative effect on his view of her whatsoever. His voice, although his character is only 20 and being a young actor himself, carried throughout the hall with a fierce passion. Although the show itself lacked a climactic moment, he brought that to his characters arc, specifically during 'Love To Me' toward the end of the show. I was sincerely moved and the message of the show became ever so prominent: love has no boundaries.
I do think that some of the shows magic and charisma was lost in such a huge space, even with the full orchestra but all in all, it was a lovely show and I will most definitely be listening to the soundtrack again.
It's safe to say that I very much needed, as well as wanted, to go to the theatre this weekend. I haven't been for what feels like an age! It truly is my passion and so I hope you have enjoyed reading my blog and reviews today.
I am thrilled to tell you that as of Tuesday next week, I will begin rehearsals for my next project which will be announced on social media very soon, so if you're interested - keep your eyes peeled!
Lots of love,
Rebecca x
I've acquired a bronze glow since we last spoke. I must admit, I miss the all inclusive life but hey, the banana shampoo and conditioner are working wonders - thanks Gran Canaria!
A lot of life has happened since my last blog too. So much so that I've been leaning on the people closest to me for comfort and motivation this past week. I've not quite had my usual drive, in fact most things on my to do list have caused me great stress. I'm grateful to my tribe, however, for looking out for me and encouraging me to buy ice cream. That's always important and a crucial part of most recoveries I find.
Anyway! Let me tell you about my trip to London over the weekend. A therapeutic, 40,000 step filled and all round joyous weekend. I treated myself to a couple of shows I wanted to see, both of which I'll tell you a little about! I also got spend much needed quality time with my best friend, as well as seeing her perform in one of her last shows at Drama School: pretty special.
Rosmersholm
Written by Ibsen and adapted by Duncan Macmillan, this piece of writing is effortlessly relatable to our current social and political climate, as if we were watching our reflections play out the issues of our society as it stands.
Remarkable.
At the heart of the storm that is this story, lies Rosmersholm, a great house with an exceptionally influential dynasty. The political future of the country will be decided by John Rosmer, a man torn between idealised hope of the future and ghosts from his past. There is an immense certainty of this circumstance throughout the play and as such, we feel that burden for actor, Tom Burke, playing John Rosmer.
He gives an earnest performance and quite a moving one. We, as the audience, see Burke take on a feeling and emotion that isn't often spoke about: that of guilt. His whole presence it riddled with it until the final moments of the play. I found myself so engaged with his style of acting and how frank he was when interacting with other characters.
Hayley Atwell, played the passionate and outspoken Rebecca West, and truly delivered one of the best theatrical performances I have ever watched. Within her movements, gestures and words, we understand her soul intention, what the characters heart and mind desire the most and how she battles with her own conscience.
In the setting of the play, a woman clued up on politics, with a head full of thoughts and pure ownership of her being, is VERY unusual and frowned upon. To which I laugh at - to think that this was once the case for women (although we still have a way to go I believe)!
The design of the performance was complementary to the text: quite beautiful in a dreary and grey kind of way.
For anyone who has seen or will see the show, I think it can be agreed that supporting male actor, Gile Terera, gives a stand out performance. A driven and never complacent actor. If there was ever someone I'd like to run for Prime Minister, it is Giles! He brings a powerful male voice and such clarity to the stage, even with his struggles to see eye to eye with his friend, Rosmer, whose opinions and beliefs change to those of equality and liberation.
The standard of acting from the leading roles and entire cast, allowed me to give myself over to this story, so much so that I wasn't watching a show on the west end but I was a fly on the wall of Rosmersholm. I was compelled the feeling for these characters, and I adored that.
Kroll: I'm afraid that poverty has warped your sense of reality.
West: And privilege has warped yours.
Two of my favourite lines from the show and two of the most prevalent! Go and see this show before it closes on July 20th.
The Light in the Piazza
Florence, Italy in the Summer of 1953. As American Margaret Johnson and daughter Clara explore the wonders of the city, a fateful gust of wind carries Clara's hat into the hands of Fabrizio Naccarelli, a sprightly, young dreamer. It is love at first sight, if not far more than that! Clara isn't quite what she seems, however, as a incident from her childhood emerges from the shadows as the story develops and we come to understand how her disposition has been altered.
This was most definitely a show on my bucket list!
With a musical score by Adam Guettel, you are most certainly in for an audible treat! Stunning composition and fitting to the Italian nature of the show. As the first scene begins, we soon hear the effortlessly beautiful tones of Renée Flemming, American opera singer and soprano. She upkeep's a maternal and passionate nature throughout the performance which really comes to portrayal in her solo numbers.
Other stand out vocal performances come from Dove Cameron, playing Clara, who has such innocence and purity to her voice. She takes on the challenge of this complex character with great ease, portraying her disability with honesty and integrity.
The story itself is very simple: easy to follow, even during the songs which are sung in Italian for those who aren't fluent. I actually found it a testament to the skills of these performers, for being able to communicate emotions very clearly through song even in a different language. Although, one might consider this to be crucial for this particular show.
None the less, it was quite easy to foresee where these character's may end up and there was very little left to the imagination. Had this production been in a smaller and more intimate space, I do feel that the charm of the production would have carried it. However, put the The Light in the Piazza in the Royal Festival Hall of the South Bank Centre, and be prepared to lose some of that charm in the vastness of the auditorium. The saving grace was the size and sound of the orchestra that accompanied the actors, really allowing us to appreciate this show musically.
Finally, a mention must go to Rob Houchen, who gives over to the music and emotion of the show beautifully. It is evident how much his character adores Clara, with her disability having no negative effect on his view of her whatsoever. His voice, although his character is only 20 and being a young actor himself, carried throughout the hall with a fierce passion. Although the show itself lacked a climactic moment, he brought that to his characters arc, specifically during 'Love To Me' toward the end of the show. I was sincerely moved and the message of the show became ever so prominent: love has no boundaries.
I do think that some of the shows magic and charisma was lost in such a huge space, even with the full orchestra but all in all, it was a lovely show and I will most definitely be listening to the soundtrack again.
It's safe to say that I very much needed, as well as wanted, to go to the theatre this weekend. I haven't been for what feels like an age! It truly is my passion and so I hope you have enjoyed reading my blog and reviews today.
I am thrilled to tell you that as of Tuesday next week, I will begin rehearsals for my next project which will be announced on social media very soon, so if you're interested - keep your eyes peeled!
Lots of love,
Rebecca x
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