Tag Archives: Upstairs at The Gatehouse

Review of Top Hat – 5 Stars

Hat

Top Hat

Upstairs at the Gatehouse

Reviewed – 15th December 2017

★★★★★

“Clifton and Lay embody the charm and sophistication of the era.”

 


In this classic dance musical comedy, we meet Broadway star Jerry Travers and follow him in his attempt to win the affections of socialite Dale Tremont. Ovation presents the London fringe premiere of a musical that has been delighting audiences since the release of the celebrated 1935 film version starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

Joshua Lay and Joanne Clifton are a fantastic pairing as Jerry and Dale. The chemistry between the two is undeniable and watching their love story unfold is a delight. The shoes of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers were always going to be big ones to fill, but Clifton and Lay do them justice and embody the charm and sophistication of the era.

From the principals to the ensemble, the rest of the cast’s performances are of a high standard. Much of the comedy comes from theatre producer Horace Hardwick (Darren Benedict), his valet, Bates (Samuel Haughton), and fashion designer Alberto Beddini (Matthew James Willis). Ellen Verenieks should also be mentioned for her confident portrayal of Horace’s wife, Madge.

The limited space available is used very effectively, with Upstairs at the Gatehouse making use of traverse staging, as opposed to its usual thrust layout. Some of the action takes place on a raised platform at one end of the stage, which can be seen well from all angles and is a good addition. However, director John Plews does not overuse it and the rest of the stage is covered well, particularly during dance numbers.

The production’s choreography is slick, particularly, and unsurprisingly, the tap dancing. Looking at the space available, you’d be forgiven for wondering how the dancers would be able to pull off big, show stopping numbers, but the staging actually works to their advantage. The audience is treated to an “up-close and personal” experience and can truly appreciate the details in the choreography that is, indeed, show stopping.

Top Hat is a timeless classic and any production following the film and successful West End run has a lot to live up to. This fringe production does not disappoint and is packed full of stunning choreography and classic songs such as “Let’s Face the Music and Dance” and “Puttin’ on the Ritz”. Charming from start to finish.

 

Reviewed by Emily K Neal

 

 

Top Hat

is at Upstairs at the Gatehouse until 28th January 2018

 

 

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Review of Sirens of the Silver Screen – 4 Stars

Sirens

Sirens of the Silver Screen

Upstairs at the Gatehouse

Reviewed – 9th November 2017

★★★★

“the songs are performed with a wealth of emotion, making the stories being told even more poignant”

 

Fresh from a successful run of performances on Seabourn Cruise Line and in the Middle East, Sirens of the Silver Screen makes its London debut at Upstairs at the Gatehouse, Highgate. Directed by Mark Giesser, it explores the lives of Judy Garland, Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe, three of Hollywood’s most iconic stars.

Sirens

Beth Burrows, both performer and writer, introduces all three women over the course of the production and tells the stories of their lives, which weren’t all glitz and glamour. The audience learn of dark trials and tribulations endured, some of which they may not have known about before. The stories are well complimented with performances of the three icons’ most famous songs, as well as projections of footage of real events and interviews.

Sirens

Burrows gives an exceptional performance throughout the production. Her vocals are stunning and she delivers each song with ease. She doesn’t try to impersonate each icon whilst singing, the exception perhaps being during her comedic rendition of Marilyn Monroe’s “I Wanna Be Loved By You”. Overall, the songs are performed with a wealth of emotion, making the stories being told even more poignant. Burrows’ vocals are accompanied by Bobby Goulder, the Musical Director and Pianist, and Doug Grannell, Double Bassist, which makes for a simple, but effective band and balance of sounds.

Sirens

Costumes include Garland’s blue and white gingham “Dorothy” dress, Hepburn’s sophisticated black number from Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Monroe’s iconic white dress from The Seven Year Itch. They definitely help to bring all three women to life and compliment the production well.

Some may be sceptical about seeing a production delivered by one actor, but you have nothing to worry about here. Beth Burrows commands the stage with a strong presence and the right balance of comedy and sensitivity. This is a well thought out, eye-opening tribute to three legends of Old Hollywood.

 

Reviewed by Emily K Neal

Upstairs at the Gatehouse thespyinthestalls

 

 

SIRENS OF THE SILVER SCREEN

is at Upstairs at the Gatehouse until 18th November

 

 

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