This week has been the week of theatre going, two west-end shows in three days. Theatre, especially musicals, are a particular love of mine- sometimes I wish that life were a musical, although some would argue that mine is! Anyway, the two I have just seen were both totally different yet totally amazing so I thought I'd share my views.
The first I saw was Ghost, which I had heard was great. I think not having seen the film made it better, the unknown plot twists really took me by surprise. Although the story itself is quite dark (didn't come out the theatre with tear tracks though, Blood Brothers style ), the music is uplifting- especially Sharon D. Clarke's rendition of "I'm Outta Here"; who knew you could rhyme Bahamas and pyjamas in a song? I really enjoyed Siobhan Dillon's (of "How do you solve a problem like Maria?" fame)singing voice-and although the lighting effects hurt my eyes a bit, the production itself was quite clever, particularly how the people morph out of their dead bodies. I'd like to see it again from the stalls to get a closer look. The only thing I didn't really like was the choreography, as it was a bit bland- or, as we put it, looked like they'd just found random business people off the street to walk across stage. Having said that, I think it's going to go down as a current favourite (sorry Legally Blonde but you're leaving soon anyway), and I'd definitely go back and see it again!
In complete contrast the second was Singin' In The Rain, still in its first week at the Palace Theatre. As a more "traditional" musical the story was much more light hearted. I'd say it was a classic, but with very modern special effects. In fact, I was just as entertained by the people mopping the stage during the interval than I was during the show. Like Ghost, I hadn't seen the film, but I did know some of the songs like "Make 'em Laugh", "Singin' in the Rain" and "Good Mornin'"- a personal favourite of mine as it reminds me of one of my great friends! Again in contrast, the choreography was spectacular- I haven't seen such good dancing since I last watched the film "A Chorus Line"!! I left the theatre singing, and due to the lovely weather we had had felt like kicking the puddles all the way home (but I didn't, because I'd be wet on the train, and that's not good).
I would go and see it again, but I think Ghost suits my personal taste more- so if I had to chose one to see again that would be it. I'd definitely advise anyone to go and see both though as they are great. The only question I have now is what to see next?
