SCOTTISH BALLET'S A Streetcar Named Desire

 I was very excited to receive an invite to Scottish Ballet's award-winning production A Streetcar Named Desire, but I was also, weirdly, a bit nervous. I seem to be the only person in the entire world who hasn't actually ever read A Streetcar Named Desire, or watched the play, or the film, or even (at a push) the Simpsons parody episode.

Would I be able to pick up the story, or would I be lost in a sea of pirouettes and cabrioles? (I am also very, very new to ballet. I had to google those).

I shouldn't have worried. A Streetcar Named Desire is beautiful. Achingly, powerful, you-may-need-to-cry beautiful. I didn't always know exactly what the small details were (I was quite baffled by the dramatic discovery of a piece of paper), but I was surprised by just how well I followed the story. The staging is simple and moody, with flickering light bulbs and surprisingly dramatic crates, and the music is just incredible.

I was lucky enough to get the chance before the show to chat with Luciana Ravizzi, who shares the role of the lead character Blanche with Eve Mutso. It was absolutely fascinating to listen to Luciana talk about her role - particularly the challenges of playing such a raw, emotional character, and how emotionally draining each performance is.



A Streetcar Named Desire is in Edinburgh until Saturday 21st March (book tickets here) and then tours to London, running in Sadler's Wells from Tuesday 31st March to Thursday 2nd April (book here!). Scottish Ballet also have an Under 26 £10 ticket offer if you are lucky enough to be youthful!

I can't recommend this enough - I've been thinking about it all day long. Go and get your culture on.

The Infamous Brothers Davenport

Last week I was lucky enough to go to the opening night of The Infamous Brothers Davenport  - a collaboration between the Lyceum theatre and Vox Motus. I didn't know much about the show other than it was promising "startling manifestations, amazing revelations, dark secrets and a spectacular stage séance". Goodness.

Production photo from the Lyceum's flickr

The play focuses on two brothers - Willie and Ira Davenport - who toured America as magicians in the 19th century. Their most famous illusion was the 'box illusion', a massive wooden box (clue is in the name) that had musical instruments in it. The brothers would be tied up in the box, the doors closed, and then the sound of music would come out (played by the spirits they had just summoned). Ooooh.

Original Bros. Good moustaches.

We headed into the theatre a little early (about ten minutes before it started) and were greeted by one of the characters from the stage, who invited us to go up and inspect all of the objects on stage. Whilst he was up looking Craig then got asked (by one of the leads who never broke character!) if he would be a "witness" to the magic taking place that night. Which lead to this.

Hi magic Craig!

Look at his lovely Victorian garb! 

I don't want to say too much (or anything really) in fear that I will spoil it... but I really loved the show. It had fun, scary moments (an audience member screamed at one point), and dark, disturbing parts (Willie Davenport was panting and bleeding just metres from my seat at one point... I was in the front row though!). It was creepy, intense and quite shocking in places, but also funny and very magical. And my boyfriend was in it!

The show is on until February 11th and tickets can be bought here.

Beauty and the Beast

On Friday night I went to the beautiful Lyceum Theatre to see their Christmas show Beauty and the Beast.

I have to admit, I was a wee bit apprehensive of seeing this as I have such fond memories of Disney's Beauty and the Beast (I was six when it was released, so was totally obsessed with it), but I shouldn't have worried! (Also, I'm 25 now. I can probably handle changes like this).

The Lyceum's version is based on the original French fairy tale. It has all the elements you need in a good Christmassy theatre show - an evil witch (who spends her time shouting at the children in the audience), two evil sisters (who are a wonderful Scottish double act), a beautiful-but-feisty heroine and a lot of magic!

Plus the sets are gorgeous. Just look.

I really loved it! The Lyceum are good for bridging the pantomime/theatre divide in their Christmas shows - there's a lot of interaction between the audience and the performers, but it can quite seamlessly merge into a more "serious" theatre show.

The story is funny and a little scary at times (well, menacing at least - particularly when we first meet the Beast on his big stompy legs), and ends with a lovely message about following your heart. One of the very sweetest moments was when the Beast was dying, Belle declared that she loves him and a little girl's voice rang out - "kiss him then!" which led to thunderous applause. Awwwww.

All photos from the Lyceum's flickr

You can buy tickets here! Next up I really fancy going to see the Sleeping Beauty by Scottish Ballet - looks gorgeous.

Legally Blonde

 

I went on a bit of a spur of the moment trip last night to see the opening night of Legally Blonde the Musical at the Edinburgh Playhouse. I wasn't totally sure what to expect... even though I've seen the film, I wouldn't know any of the songs. & it was a Tuesday. But ahh, who needs to worry about that! 

We got our (pink prosecco) cocktails, settled into our amazing seats (thanks, Playhouse!) and watched the most over-the-top camp musical I've ever seen. Singing! Dancing! Pink (EVERYWHERE). Scantily clad buff posties (with accompanying screams). A song called "gay or European". "OMG you guys" every five minutes. 

& ACTUAL dogs. Look at the wee face.

Photo from the Legally Blonde facebook. Hiya pup!

Ohhh, it was brilliant. I really love musicals, so I am quite easily pleased, but it has already started getting really good reviews from people who are paid to enjoy these things.

If you fancy it it's on at the Playhouse until September 14th. They run competitions on their facebook page quite regularly so it's worth keeping an eye on that!