This seems to be the week of introducing new series’. Welcome to my new monthly theatre review series: Snappy Show Showdown
In case you hadn't noticed, I go to the theatre a lot
It’s really no secret. If you have been following me on any sort of social media (particularly Instagram) or tried to make plans with me, you’ll know that, more often than not, I’m seeing a show. It’s always been a passion of mine, as evidenced by this post I did a while ago, but over the last couple of years, it seems to have taken over my life. First, it was because I was on the PR list to review almost every touring musical at the Bristol Hippodrome, and now it’s because I work at the theatre cafe and get a lot of free tickets through work. Also, I still (and always have) buy a lot of tickets when I want to see something.
Considering I see a lot of theatre, it’s no surprise that I have an opinion on the ones that I see. However, I don’t want to always flood my blog with theatre reviews because that’s not all that I do. So, as a result, I figured that I could come to a middle ground… Introducing the Snappy Show Showdown: the series in which I list out every musical/theatre production I’ve seen over the month, provide a snappy description, review, and recommendation.
I want to sort them from highest to lowest… But I’m bad at making decisions. So, I have a spreadsheet where I have rated each of the shows out of 10 on storyline, emotion, humour, songs, staging, atmosphere and cast. Then I’ve calculated an average and sorted them from highest to lowest. I’m not including the averages though… That’s for me to know.
This month's picks
This month I saw seven pieces of theatre, some of which I had seen before, and some of which were completely new to me. All in all, it was a very interesting mix though, so let’s begin…
1) Come From Away
SNAP SUMMARY: Based on the true story of a place in Canada called Gander, which, during 911 took in 7000 people from planes that couldn’t land in the USA. Though it sounds serious and depressing, it’s funny and heartwarming. Trust me.
QUICK THOUGHTS: It is, without a doubt, my favourite thing on the West End right now. Go and see it. You won’t regret it at all. This got an almost perfect score on my spreadsheet.
2) Magic Mike Live
SNAP SUMMARY: Stripping… But make it #art.
On a serious note, it’s inspired by the Magic Mike films (That I still haven’t seen, so can’t tell you how heavily it’s inspired), and is basically a really high quality, female-pleasure-centred dance show with stripping and lapdances and safe words if any of that makes you uncomfortable.
QUICK THOUGHTS: Wow. Would recommend.
SNAP SUMMARY: A night of food and drinks and live entertainment. You eat a four-course meal while an Abba-centred show happens around you in a recreation of the Greek Island from Mamma Mia. Did a more detailed review here.
QUICK THOUGHTS: Such an amazingly fun night! Definitely on the pricy side, but it truly is a whole experience. I enjoyed the food and I really enjoyed the entertainment. Would make a great gift!
4) Waitress
SNAP SUMMARY: A pie-making waitress in an abusive relationship falls pregnant… And then ends up falling in love with her gynaecologist. It’s a story of love and lust and family and pies, with music by Sara Bareilles.
QUICK THOUGHTS: This is the fourth time I’ve seen Waitress… You could say I like it just a little bit. Joe Sugg did a good job as Ogie, and I was already obsessed with Laura Baldwin and Lucie Jones.
5) Matilda
SNAP SUMMARY: Based on the Roald Dahl book of the same name, Matilda follows the story of an exceptionally talented young girl, her neglectful parents and her rollercoaster school experience.
QUICK THOUGHTS: This is actually the third time I’ve seen Matilda (Once years ago for £5, once on tour, and now this time around), and I’ve always been very “meh” about it as a production. However, this is the most I’ve ever enjoyed it, would recommend this cast!
6) Big the Musical
SNAP SUMMARY: Based on the old film of the same name, Big is about a 13-year-old that makes a wish to be big, and finds himself magically transformed into a 30-year-old version of himself. Hijinks and a (slightly uncomfortable) love story ensue.
QUICK THOUGHTS: I won’t lie, I went into this with the lowest possible expectations that a person could have. However, I actually quite enjoyed it! It’s a cute, fun night of theatre.
7) Fame the Musical
SNAP SUMMARY: The tales of a bunch of kids at a musical theatre school in the ’80s. It follows their journeys from the audition process to their graduation, documenting the highs and lows with live instruments played on stage and loads of drama.
QUICK THOUGHTS: This was the second time I’d seen this as well, as I happened to catch it on tour in Bristol. In the interest of keeping this honest, I preferred it more in Bristol, no idea why.
And there you have it!
Thus concludes the first edition of the Snappy Show Showdown. With my part-time job, sometimes I don’t really know what I’ll be seeing in the month until a couple of days beforehand… As I write this, I currently have two pieces of theatre planned for October, but we’ll see where the month takes me.
Have you seen anything recently? Do you have anything you want to see? Let me know in the comments!
Lots of love,
Jas xx
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Wow I’m so jealous! I’d love to see this many shows but I rarely have time because of work! I’ve heard so many good things about the Mamma Mia Party and it just sounds amazing, I definitely need to go go to that x
You should definitely check it out if you get a chance to! xx
this is such a fun series! i don’t see many theater productions but i would love to explore that world more. i love you description of Magic Mike Live, I pictures the queen Tyra Banks saying “stripping.. but make it #art” excited to see what shows you recommend for october xx
Mich / Simplymich.com
Thank you so much, I was hoping it would be well received! Hahaha that was what I was going for with the Magic Mike description xx
I’ve heard amazing things about Mamma Mia Live! I really want to go!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
I definitely would recommend! Got a whole review of it in more detail on my blog xx
I really need to make sure I visit the theatre this Winter! I haven’t been for years. Fame the musical sounds really good to me xx
You definitely should! xx
This post is literally the most you thing I’ve ever read on here and I love it. I think it’s a great idea for a series too, and I really want to see that spreadsheet to be honest. I appreciate the solid rating system too. I saw Mamma Mia on Broadway yearsss ago so that whole experience sounds like fun x
Sophie
Hahaha I’m so glad the ‘me’ness of it comes out! My spreadsheet is so thorough and indepth, you’d love it. xx
I haven’t been to the theatre in a while. I haven’t seen a show in a while. I am putting that back on my list. Thanks for the great review on the shows.
YES! Definitely put it back on your list! xx
I’ve only been to the theater twice in the last 2 decades. The lack of leg space in most theaters, especially in London, makes it agonising to sit through a show
Yeah, the leg room can be very hit and miss!