The search for Dorothy The BBC show Over the Rainbow quickly narrowed the field from 20 hopeful Dorothys down to 10 this week. I watched the show with Andy, my co-writer here and author of the Wizard of Oz London blog. The girls worked in 5 groups of 4 and each group faced the judges twice. The groups each sang a pop song and then met with some of our favourite West End leading ladies to work on a show song. First I’ll go through my impressions of how they got on and then I’ll share some video of the show and tell you what I thought of each of the final 10 potential Dorothys. Tamzin Outhwaite – Sweet Charity Song:If They Could See Me Now It was hard to focus on the group whilst they were with Tamzin, the camera undoubtedly loves her. She gave them some good advice and some of this group worked really well. It’s such a classic song in a way this group had an easier time than some. Having said that I was impressed. Dorothy might just be in this group. After the group sang ALW made Tamzin blush by saying how fabulous he thought she is in Sweet Charity. Sheridan Smith – Legally Blond Song: Legally Blond Sheridan Smith was funny and helpful and I thought her group would do well. Legally Blond isn’t an easy song, and though the group were OK they were a bit stiff. A couple of them still might be Dorothy. Kerry Ellis – We Will Rock You Song: Somebody to Love Despite excellent advice from Kerry this group didn’t do very well. They found the rock number tricky. Although they did their best it was obvious that some of them struggled with the rock format. Ruthie Henshall – Chicago Song: All That Jazz Ruthie was divine, of course. Full of good advice she guided them through their song. It is a deceptively easy song that relies heavily on good timing and they made quite a success of it. Her group were also probably the best dancers. Dorothy might be in this group. Mel C – Blood Brothers Song: Tell Me It’s Not True This group were totally in awe of meeting a Spice Girl but she soon put them at their ease. She told her group to keep their song ’small’, they did. It’s a sad and difficult song and the best I can say is that it was OK. One of them forgot what the song was about and kept grinning. Understandable given the pressure but not good. Having said all that one member of this group really caught my eye as a potential Dorothy The final 10 +1 The format is that the judges picked their 10 with the ‘help’ of ALW. Click here to view the embedded video. So the final 10 are…. Danielle Hope, 17, from Manchester I quite like Danielle. I think she’ll do well but I’m not sure she’s right for Dorothy. Amy Diamond, 22, from Cheshire Oh dear. I’m sure she’s got a great voice and is talented but er, she’s too grown up to be Dorothy. She’s a woman and she will have to be an amazing actress to make me believe she is a child. Lauren Samuels, 22, from London Again, lovely and talented but not maybe not Dorothy. I might be wrong and I would like to see more of her. Bronte Barbe, 18, from Cheshire She’s definitely got some sort of charisma, nice voice but I’m just not sure. Need to see more of her. Jenny Douglas, 18, from Scotland Not bad at all, she stood out in what was not that strong a group. I’m not sure what her dancing is like and we’re told they need a Dorothy that can dance as well as sing. Steph Fearon, 21, from London Good voice, tended to be a little bit too R&B sometimes. She’s a possible I think if they really are looking for a different Dorothy. Dani Rayner, 16, from Cheshire Youngest in the competition Dani really could be Dorothy. AWL likes her, she’s got a great voice and she seems to be a good actress. I was impressed. Sophie Evans, 17, from Wales As Andy (my co-writer and Wizard of Oz London blog) said “She’s Welsh, of course she can sing” . He’s right and I think she can act a bit too. I’d like her to do well but I’m not sure about the dancing … Stephanie Davis, 17, from Merseyside Very pretty, she’d make a charming Dorothy. I’d like to see more of her acting though. Jessica Robinson, 18, from Middlesborough Great face, something of the Liza Minnelli there. Little bit gawky and awkward in the pop song but she was totally at home in her show tune. She could be Dorothy.. And the wild card….. I wonder who you think should make it through? Then the other 10 sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow so the public could decide who they wanted to bring back: Click here to view the embedded video. Personally I liked Sarah but I think they are all really talented and, though they may not be Dorothy, we haven’t seen the last of any of them. Of course we’re in the world of social media now so you can follow the remaining Dorothys’ adventures on twitter - @overtherainbow or on Facebook and catch up on any shows you miss on the Over the Rainbow Youtube channel or on iPlayer. If you just want a quick catch-up I think Andy will be doing that on the Wizard of Oz London blog So who do you think will be Dorothy? a
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I posted to usefulwiki.com
Over the Rainbow Programme 2
http://usefulwiki.com/londontheatre/over-the-rainbow-programme-2.html
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April 1 2010, 10:05am | Comments »
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I posted to usefulwiki.com
Wicked Welcomes Rachel Tucker
http://usefulwiki.com/londontheatre/wicked-welcomes-rachel-tucker.html
Wicked is continuing to build after its most successful year ever and is bringing in not one but two new witches! Current witches Alexia Khadime (Elphaba) and Dianne Pilkington (Glinda) leave the show on a record breaking high note and will play their final performances on Saturday 27 March 2010. Bound to be a very emotional evening! (If you want tickets for this one you must act fast – Click through to see if there are Wicked theatre breaks available for Alexia and Diane’s final performance. By the way there’s a Free Hotel Offer on weekday Wicked Theatre Breaks until the end of March) Wicked
Rachel Tucker as Elphaba I’m a big fan of Rachel Tucker. I thought she had a great voice when she was in I’d Do Anything and I absolutely loved her in We Will Rock You. She was playing Meat the night I saw her but I believe she made a great success of the lead role, Scaramouche, on the few occasions she got to play it. Rachel will join Wicked as the new Elphaba and I can’t wait to hear her sing “Defying Gravity”. The voice and the song should combine beautifully and give us yet another interpretation of a great standard. So as one Nancy (Jodie) bows out the West End will see another graduate of the I’d Do Anything programme take centre stage. Perhaps this will convince the critics that reality casting shows do actually uncover worthwhile talent. Don’t hold your breath! Like Kerry Ellis, a previous much loved Elphaba, Rachel will bring her own loyal fan base to the show and no doubt to this post. Hi all
Oz Trivia – Rachel is no stranger to Oz having played Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at Belfast’s Lyric Theatre. Louise Dearman as Glinda Louise joins the cast of Wicked as Glinda. She’s been widely acclaimed in her lead role in the touring production of Evita. It will be interesting to see what she makes of the role of Glinda and how she stamps her own personality on it. Louise’s voice is described by her agents as: pure, melting soprano voice, with a surprisingly strong belt. Having listened to a sample I have to agree, lovely! But don’t just rely on my judgment have a listen for yourself:Book Wicked Theatre Breaks a
Related posts:Alexia Khadime in Wicked Theatre Breaks New Wicked Cast but Without Desmond Barrit Wicked Theatre Breaks – the new cast
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January 15 2010, 5:53am | Comments »
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I posted to theatrebreaksltb.co.uk
Kery Ellis to be Nancy in Oliver
http://theatrebreaksltb.co.uk/221/kery-ellis-to-be-nancy-in-oliver/
Kerry Ellis will succeed I’d Do Anything victor Jodie Prenger as Nancy in Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Oliver!. According to the Daily Mail, Prenger will give her last performance on 27 March, with Ellis taking over from 29 March 2010. Kerry Ellis (Wicked, We Will Rock You) has being lined up to take over from Jodie Prenger as Nancy in the current West End production of Oliver! at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Kerry Ellis as Elphaba in Wicked
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November 27 2009, 6:14am | Comments »
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I posted to usefulwiki.com
Theatre Breaks 2009 Roundup
http://usefulwiki.com/londontheatre/theatre-breaks-2009-roundup.html
Theatre Breaks Roundup for 2009 Winter 2009 is here and I’m just wondering what sort of a year this has been for theatre breaks. There’s been a recent survey that assures us reality TV has actually boosted ticket sales. The box offices are claiming the credit crunch has had little effect on bookings with theatre usually full. So what’s been the reality? Theatre Breaks Shows In terms of shows one or two have closed early but the old favourites like We Will Rock You carry on. Avenue Q was saved from oblivion by popular demand and has moved to a new theatre. The Lion King is as popular as ever and proudly boasts that it is so well booked that it has NEVER released tickets to the reduced ticket agencies. Some good shows reached the end of their natural life and wonderful though Spamalot was it really was time for it to say goodbye. It’s been replaced by Priscilla and that has been a fair swap. Carousel never really quite hit the spot and its closure wasn’t any great surprise. It was sad to see the end of Cabaret and a shame they couldn’t take a leaf out of Chicago’s book and find a constant stream of new familiar faces to keep us going back. Joseph went too and no doubt was mourned by thousands of Lee Mead fans but it was another one that seemed ready to go. No doubt it will be back someday. One show I thought should have done better was Spring Awakening, which I just loved. All that energy and a theatre full of young people the night we went. I felt positively ancient, and that’s a good thing! (honest!)
Oliver has of course been a total triumph with Jodie Prenger making a real name for herself. Who would have thought she’d still be there doing 8 shows a week nearly a year later? What a star. I saw her at West End live this year and she has a super voice and a lovely stage presence. She managed to upstage Christopher Biggins, to great comic effect and that takes some talent for comedy! I think we’ll see more of Jodie once she moves on but for now she seems happy where she is. She’s on her 3rd Fagin and this is the one I’d really like to see. I think Griff Reese Jones will make a great Fagin and be well worth seeing. Hairspray has seen some major changes with the departure of Micheal Ball. Still Phil Jupitus is doing a grand job and Brain Connely was very well received in the part. I wonder how long Micheal will stay away, I’m sure I heard somewhere that he’s thinking of coming back to Edna. We hope! Wicked is going from strength to strength and is the most popular musical at this witchy time of year. Kerry Ellis is just a distant memory now and Alexia Kadhim has made her own interpretation of Elphaba. I think she has a lovely voice, quite different to Kerry’s but wonderful all the same: Click here to view the embedded video. New shows coming in include Legally Blonde which I was less than keen on when first announced. Since then I’ve had a good look at the videos on youtube and listened to the cast recordings and I might just change my mind. It might be fun and has the sort of casting that makes me want to see it. What to say about Love Never Dies (apart from “I can’t wait!!”)? Well it’s definitely going to be a huge event and it should be a spectacular in the best Lloyd Webber tradition. The Coney Island setting should give it a great atmosphere, you know how creepy fairgrounds can be. We’ve all seen Scoobydoo It’s got two fabulous stars in Sarah Boggess and Ramin Karimloo (I’ve been doing this so long I can now spell these names without flinching!) In the next part of this series of posts I’ll look at the travel aspects and prospects for theatre breaks in London 2010. a
Related posts:Alexia Khadime in Wicked Theatre BreaksJodie Prenger at West End LiveJersey Boys Theatre Breaks
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November 25 2009, 6:32am | Comments »
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I posted to usefulwiki.com
Alexia Khadime in Wicked Theatre Breaks
http://usefulwiki.com/londontheatre/alexia-khadime-in-wicked-theatre-breaks.html
Wicked Theatre Breaks Anybody in London for a Wicked theatre break in the past three weeks will have had the opportunity to see Alexia Khadime as Elphaba, the green witch with the big songs. Alexia replaced Kerry Ellis who went to play the role on Broadway until December when she returns to the West End. Now Kerry Ellis was a big act to follow, having gathered a huge pack of devoted fans during her time in London, but Alexia is proving to have unique qualities which bring a fresh approach to the acting and she’s rapidly building a loyal support base of her own. The two tribes will each advocate for their favourite at any given opportunity and the result can be anything from unkind to insightful. Alexia Khadime as Elphaba Here’s the popular video from theatre breaks youTube which shows what Alexia can do, out of costume, solo and live at West End Live 2009, the popular theatre festival event in London’s Leicester Square
(it takes a few moments to get going) Click here to view the embedded video. Alexia’s a really good singer and and a really good actress, she has the best Elphaba interpretation I’ve seen. She is amazing! Cute yet powerful voice! Very well done! I am also a big fan of Kerry’s? and her! So amazing! ** Book Wicked theatre breaks in London **Related Posts:Wicked cast changes - a new ElphabaNew Wicked Cast but Without Desmond BarritWicked - a world wide smash hit.Wicked Theatre Breaks - the new castWicked - rest of the new cast announced.a Alexia Khadime in Wicked Theatre Breaks
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June 27 2009, 3:44am | Comments »
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I posted to usefulwiki.com
Wicked Theatre Breaks - the new cast
http://usefulwiki.com/londontheatre/wicked-theatre-breaks-the-new-cast.html
Wicked Theatre Breaks to see the new cast Wicked theatre breaks are perfect for families. This summer is likely to be a busy time for Wicked theatre breaks, especially as Show and Stay have a special offer on at the moment. Wicked Theatre Breaks from £81.50pp with Show and Stay - book now Wicked Theatre Breaks - who’s in the new cast? Wicked is one of those shows that inspire a lot of loyalty. Fans like to keep up to date with cast changes and see the show again and again. Having said “Goodbye” to Kerry Ellis,(I thought she was brilliant as Elphaba but it seems Alexia Khadime is developing quite a following too!) Wicked is ready to welcome some more new cast members.
The revised Wicked cast includes:
Alexia Khadime (Elphaba), Dianne Pilkington (Glinda), Oliver Tompsett (Fiyero), Sam Kelly (The Wizard), Harriet Thorpe (Madame Morrible) Natalie Anderson (Nessarose) Alex Jessop (Boq), David Stoller (Doctor Dillamond), Ashleigh Gray (Standby for Elphaba) Sarah Earnshaw (Standby for Glinda),
Wicked Theatre Breaks - a birthday outing Wicked theatre breaks are a great choice for family groups or , if you are feeling generous, a perfect birthday treat for your teenage or even pre-teen daughter and maybe 3 of her best mates. You might think I’m nuts suggesting taking a group of teenage girls to London but they, and you, will have the best time and they’ll never forget it! There’s no mess to clear up afterwards. She probably won’t expect much of a present. And her ‘cool score’ at school will go off the Richter Scale! (So will your cool parent score!) The show is an ideal choice for a themed birthday treat. You just have to make sure they have a cash limit for goodies from the foyer of Wicked! CDs, books, T-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs and even Glinda’s wand make great presents. Stock them up with fruit juice drinks and try to avoid too much popcorn, all that sugar will make it even harder for them to sleep! Talking of sleep, did you realise you could get a family room? Some of the hotels offer great deals so 2 adults could take 4 girls and just pay for 2 rooms! Just rope in another mum to lend a hand or even better (younger = more energy!) someone’s big sister and you’re set. Other things to do on a Wicked theatre Break So you’ve got your tickets, you’ve hopefully booked your train at the same time (save up to 40% that way), and you’ve unpacked. Now what? Luckily Show and Stay offer some great extras you can book at the same time as the theatre break. With teenage girls, or even pre-teens, my first choice would be the London Eye fast track. You spend far less time waiting around, the girls get to see the sights without getting bored and there’s plenty of time left for hitting the shops. Now, I know they are teenagers, or think they are, but I love Hamleys and they will too! Got to take their photos with those giant teddy bears and then head inside for some serious shopping. And you thought it was a toy shop? Did you not know it has one of the biggest collections of Hello Kitty merchandise in the country? Pah! Just make sure they save some money for Top Shop! Food, quick, all that shopping takes it’s toll! Where else but Planet Hollywood? Of course, if you are sneaky, you’ll have booked a bargain pre-theatre dinner there when you booked the show. Then it’s off to see Wicked. Afterwards if they (and you) are not too exhausted it can be worth hanging about round the stage door. The Wicked stars know their audience and they rarely disappoint them. Often programmes are signed, smiles and even the occasional chat is possible. If you are really lucky photos with cast members might be taken. Especially if they know there’s a birthday girl around. Back at the hotel try to persuade them it’s bed time. Good luck with that
Wicked Theatre Breaks - The Last Day Next morning try a stroll through Chinatown. If they’ve any money left there’s more (but possibly less authentic) Hello Kitty stuff around plus other wonderfully tacky London souvenirs that won’t break the bank.Covent Garden’s good fun to wander round too. if you’re after a cheap and cheerful lunch, (and you’ve any money left!) the West Country Pasty shop is good value and has somewhere to sit and watch the world go by too. (You could, just possibly, leave them there and slip upstairs to the bar for a quick and sustaining G&T- did I say that? Moi?)
Then it’s off to catch your train. You might be lucky and they’ll fall asleep on the way home. After all they probably didn’t sleep much in the hotel. If not they can look at all their wonderful photos on their phones, while you doze off!
Behind the Scenes at Wicked Oliver Tompsett, who plays Fiyero, takes us behind the scenes of Wicked
Book before 15 June 2009 and enjoy an unforgettable hotel and theatre package from just £81.50pp
Related Posts:New Wicked Cast but Without Desmond BarritWicked Theatre BreaksWicked cast changes - a new ElphabaWicked - rest of the new cast announced.Wicked gets a new witcha Wicked Theatre Breaks - the new cast
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May 9 2009, 6:32am | Comments »
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