The shows I have seen are Billy Elliot, Hairspray, Les Mis, Guys and Dolls and Mamma Mia!
5. Billy Elliot
I saw this with my school when I was in year 9. Though this wasn't only two years ago I can't remember much about it. I do remember I loved the story line; the whole idea of a young boy who wanted to be a dancer but society said he couldn't. Honestly, the only reason this is number five is because I can't remember much of the show! I do remember how gorgeous the theatre was and I know that many people love this show. I would still recommend it, as the dancing and particularly the acting of many cast members such as the boy that played Billy was very good. I also know that in the past (not the one I saw) Billy was once played by Layton Williams, an actor/dancer that I love.
4. The forth musical I am ranking is Guys and Dolls. This theatre was probably one of my favourites and the staging was very simple but beautiful. I would recommend this, but have ranked it as number 4, only because the others were so spectacular. This was just great. Still an incredible show and right up my street; a comedy set back in the 50's/60's (i think!) with some hilarious and relatable characters. I just found a few of the songs a little too cheesy!
3. At number 3 is Hairspray. I've seen this twice at the Curve in my home town Leicester. One of my best friends is the biggest fan of Hairspray, so for the past two years, we've been to see it. And it is incredible. The cast is brilliant, and the songs are some of my favourite songs ever. Upbeat and just like the film, Hairspray is a must to see live. Especially due to it's talented cast. This years tour traveled the country and one of the 'negro kids' (not my words, but what they were referred to during the 60's and time period of the musical) is played by Layton Williams! As mentioned above, I'm a massive fan of Layton even since I started watching his well known TV show, Bad Education. He is insanely talented and gets to dance his heart out in Hairspray!
I was also lucky enough to get to meet Layton when we caught him outside the Curve Theatre after the show. He was lovely and very kindly oblivious to my fangirling nature!
2. This weekend I went to London and for my birthday present, got to see Mamma Mia at the Novello Theatre. I am the biggest fan of Mamma Mia, it is my favourite film, and holds a special place in my heart for so many reasons, One of these reasons is how much my mum loves it, we share a strong bond over the film, cast, songs and story. I love ABBA's songs, so a film based on them that included the likes of Amanda Seyfried and Meryl Streep made me very happy! The musical live was just as incredible, though I prefer the cast of the film to the cast of the production. If they could have got the film cast to do the live version (understandably impossible!!!) Mamma Mia would have made it to number one. Any massive fan of Mamma Mia would love this show, and the whole atmosphere of the theatre (which had the most incredible chandelier!) is undeniably satisfying to any such fan. If I had not seen Les Mis, which I will be talking about next, this show would be at number one. It is a close second. I can't describe how much love I hold for Mamma Mia <3
1. And finally I have ranked Les Miserables as the top musical I have seen. I was absolutely blown away by this production. No words can describe just how incredible this was. The cast especially the likes of Carrie Hope Fletcher (who played Eponine, my favourite female character) was incredible. I have only ever seen the film once, but thoroughly loved it. When I got the chance to see Les Mis in London with my school (the same trip I saw Guys and Dolls on) I was very excited! Perhaps because I have only seen the film once, I had no expectations for the production, which made it more incredible. It sounds silly but I think my high expectations of Mamma Mia because of how much I love it, made it less satisfying than Les Mis? The staging, based on a turning piece of stage that rotated and looked incredible, the cast, the singing (OH MY GOSH THE SINGING) and general loved up atmosphere the adoring audience gave for this show was phenomenal. Highly recommend seeing Les Mis if you get the chance. The show is hugely talked about and has been running for something ridiculous, like 42 years now?!
Overall, I would recommend seeing all these shows. Even if you are less of a musical fan, I think these shows are enjoyable for all. I would however recommend you do your research before you go. For example, a friend of mine that watched Les Mis on our trip had never seen the film before and didn't have any general idea what was going on, so it was less enjoyable for her.
I hope you enjoyed today's little rundown of the musicals I have seen. I really enjoyed writing this, so will happily do more 'My Experience' posts :)
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