Have You Ever Felt Like Nobody Was There // Project 365 // Day 331

Well, let that lonely feeling wash away

Maybe there's a reason to believe you'll be okay

Cause when you don't feel strong enough to stand

You can reach, reach out your hand

xoxo

I never let them see the worst of me // Project 365 // Day 330

No, I'd rather pretend I'm something better than
These broken parts
Pretend I'm something other than
This mess that I am
'Cause then I don't have to look at it
And no one gets to look at it
No, no one can really see

xoxo

Noel Coward // Project 365 // Day 329

I took this trip to London with my mum a pre-christmas get away. Dear Evan Hansen opening in the West End was coincided with Les Mis in concert like a match made in heaven something for her, something for me.

But what came with that was taking her to see my beloved Dear Evan Hansen. A musical I loved. You will be found is a song that makes me cry just by playing, it helped me through a dark period. I love it.  We saw Hugh Jackman at the beginning of the year and he sang it and I cried and she didn't understand the real punch this song packs.

Describing the musical to her didn't really sell her but she was more than happy to come along and see what it was about.

Now she raves about it to all who will listen and its the greatest joy to be able to have shared this with her and for her to love it.

The music, the quiet moments, the characters.

The realism.

It's stunning.

You will cry. You will laugh and You will cry again.

xoxo

The World Was Wide Enough // Project 365 // Day 328

Death doesn’t discriminate
Between the sinners and the saints
It takes and it takes and it takes
History obliterates
In every picture it paints
It paints me and all my mistakes
When Alexander aimed
At the sky
He may have been the first one to die
But I’m the one who paid for it

I survived, but I paid for it

xoxo

Victoria Palace // Project 365 // Day 327

We had a spare night in London, So I took the chance to go see the masterpiece that is Hamilton again.

How I love this show.

I cried again.

Honestly everything happens at such a pace that I don't think it would matter how many times you watched the show you'd see something else. You'd concentrate on another performer in the scene.

xoxo

Do you Hear the People Sing! // Project 365 // Day 326

When the beating of your heart

Echoes the beating of the drums
There is a life about to start
When tomorrow comes!

xoxo

Gielgud // Project 365 // Day 325

Les Miserables is one of those musicals you could watch a thousand times. And still pack a punch.

The all star stage concert boost some of the west ends brightest stars. I was unfortunate to attend an evening where both Michael Ball and Carrie Hope Fletcher had taken ill. But there alternates pulled off an amazing show and I'll be able to see there performances at some point as they recorded the performance.

Alfie Boe has a voice that has no need for a microphone. He could hit the back of the theatre with pure power alone. It sends shivers down your spine. Absolutely magical.

Matt Lucas has the comedic ability that is needed for Master of the house and plays the role as if it was made for him. An absolute presence on the stage.

Oh what a show. I have now seen, West End, Broadway, Amateur, Film, Concert. Now All I need is touring and new West End.

xoxo 

Opening Up // Project 365 // Day 66

In my fridge sits a piece pie, what remains of my night seeing Waitress. It’s last pre-view tonight it is officially “Opening up”  and if last night was anything to go by I can assure you it will be glorious.

This cast really gel together, every interaction, every movement feels real. You really get lost in the story and feel and off into for these Characters.

I bought these tickets before casting was released and honestly could not have got luckier with who graced the stage.

Katherine McPhee who I have loved since Smash, is effortless as Jenna, she breaks your heart with She Used to be Mine, you can feel her frustration in What Baking can do.

Marissa Wallace as Becky is hilariou and  she will blow you away with “I didn’t plan it”

Laura Baldwin as Dawn has great comical timing “When he sees me” is so funny not only lyrically but the choreography is key in  making the whole scene as hysterical as it was.

The men of the show David Hunter, Stephen Leask and Jack McBrayer are all hysterical. Ogie’s moments are some of the funniest in the show, Cal’s annoyance with the waitress’s and his showdowns with Becky are brilliant and Dr Pomatter will give you second hand embarrassment at a moments notice.

Hating Earl is part of the show, Peter Hannah plays him so well through the shows harsher realities.

Shaun Prendergast singing “take it from an old man” will melt your heart.

The ensemble were amazing throughout the seasons, whither customers at the diner, guests at a wedding or playing pivotal parts in flashbacks there was always something happening that you were drawn to.

All in all what I’m trying to say is I loved it.

I got goosebumps and teared up the second the band started. I sat with grin on my face for most of the show. I laughed, I Laughed harder and cried.

If you get the chance to go see Waitress then I certainly encourage you to do so.

xoxo

There’s Something about the Theatre // Project 365 // Day 65

I’m going to write a little more over the next couple of days about the shows that I have seen whilst in. London.

But there’s something to be said for Theatre in general, I love it. Sitting in a chattering crowd and when the lights go down and the band you know the stories about to start and you get lost in there world for an hour or two.

I have cried when the first notes played, I have given standing ovations before intervals, I’ve laughed so hard I’ve snorted, I’ve sat on the literal edge of my seat for the entire show because I was so immersed.

I love it.

There’s magic in the moment you get to experience.

If I were to win the lottery tomorrow all I would do is travel the world  and go to the theatre.

xoxo

You Will Be Found // Project 365 // Day 59

Even when the dark comes crashing through

When you need a friend to carry you

And when you’re broken on the ground

You will be found

Today the pre-sale tickets for Dear Evan Hansen’s West End run went on sale, and oh my god was it stressy when the email didn’t come through at noon with the link I started doubting that I had signed up for it in the first place. I had got someone to cover the first hour of my shift. As I was meant to start at 12 so I could buy the tickets.

I got ready, was driven up to work all whilst making sure the screen didn’t go off and lose my place in the queue. My dad held my phone whilst I went through the back so I wouldn’t lose signal. And when I came back out and had to start my shift and my dad had to leave to go to work. I thought that was me I wasn’t going to get them.

I work customer facing and I couldn’t keep up with keeping my phone on the screen then purchasing my tickets.

My friend was going through the till at the time and when I poured about my predictement offered to stand with my phone for a bit. Forty minutes later they had left with my phone for a while and come back. With 10 minutes to go they stayed near so I could tell them my sign in details. My manager lurking so I couldn’t be seen to be to involved. They had my card and I watched on panicked

But thanks to some amazing people in my life who cover shifts, chauffeur me about and wait in virtual queues for me. I will be attending Dear Evan Hansen in November.  I’m so greatful and undeserving to have folk who help me out like this.

I can not convey how nerve wracking the wait or elating the moment when I finally got the tickets was.

xoxo

The Book of Mormon [Review]

I have waited forever to see this show for, forever. I had wanted to see it last year when I had come down for a few days, but other shows took priority. I can't tell you how many times I have watched the video of Andrew Rannells sing "I believe" from the 2011 Tony's.

This show is outstandingly funny.  Without a doubt did not disappoint a stellar cast, perfectly comedic timing, a more adult humour that is really appreciated and it doesn't take itself seriously at all. There were so many moments that the whole audience was in fits of hysterics.  

Fun Fact: George Lopez who wrote for the Book of Mormon also wrote the songs for Frozen. 

Beautiful - The Carole King Musical [review]

I went to see Beautiful - The Carole King Musical. I had decided not to listen to the soundtrack before I went. But its one of those musicals like Mamma Mia and We will Rock you. You know all the songs before your arrive.  It's an almost comforting feeling.

The story follows Kings years writing along side first husband Gerry Goffin, for Don Krishner at Aldon Music. Until her and Goffins divorce and she moves out to LA where she records Tapestry. Showing the highs and lows of personal and professional life during the point.

Complete with great soundtrack. And amazing acting by Katie Brayben (Carole King), Alan Morissey (Gerry Goffin), Lorna Want (Cynthia Weil), Ian McIntosh (Barry Mann), Gary Trainer (Donnie Krishner) and an amazing company. The crowd wasn't just clapping after amazing singing performances, but after some spectacular dialogue scenes.

So if you have the chance go and see Beautiful - The Carole King Musical at the Aldwych Theatre. Or even just check out the soundtrack it will be well worth it.