... Cabaret with class Pizza on the Park KT Sullivan and Steve Ross Barry J Mishon's style of slick and well constructed cabaret shows has never been better demonstrated than by this joint recital from two luminaries of the New York scene, the already familiar Steve Ross and the more recently garlanded diva KT Sullivan, known to aficionados in this country only through her recordings. The ...

... Closing event in style DAY TWO EVENING SESSION The final, longest and I would say strongest session kicked off with a great tribute to the Village People, and the seventies music scene in general, by South Wales group New Recruits. Dressed appropriately as sailor, construction worker, Indian (or, should one say. Native American) chief et al, they stormed their way through YMCA and In the ...

... Shakespeare on Broadway Leeds As part of Opera North's Shakespeare weekend of opera, recitals and talks, members of the fine chorus had a ball putting across a range of songs inspired bv the Bard at the Citv Varieties. Sympathetically accompanied by Jim Holmes and Philip Sutherland (keyboards), who themselves occasionally entered the action, they brought infectious enthusiasm to songs culled ...

... The Magic Flute London Coliseum Twelve years in the English National Opera repertory, Nicholas Hytner's spectacular staging, set in the Age of Enlightenment, is a delightful combination of pantomime fantasy and robust humour. This revival, directed by Carlos Wagner, features a tip-top cast of favourites returning to their roles plus talented newcomers. And with Bob Crowtey's lavish designs, ...

... Dynamic start to class show BY PETER HEPPLE DAY ONE AFTERNOON SESSION Showcall Showcase II had a new, if temporary, home this year-- the Horseshoe Showbar at Blackpool Pleasure Beach-- which turned out to be highly successful, in part because it is a dedicated nightclub-style venue with excellent sightlines and a superb lighting installation. All the acts, and The Stage's production team, ...

... Balanced bill of old and new Frimley Green Wally Dent Entertainments Variety ruled again at one of Britain's premier showcase events. A well balanced bill presented acts old and new in the prestigious surroundings of Bob Potter's Lakeside Country Club. Entertainment started early, with the reception area being brought to life by strolling Dixieland quartet Fidgety Feet. Musically first rate ...

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... Falstaff Leeds This revival of Matthew Warchus' autumnal staging of Verdi's final masterpiece is very special. Rightly, the first night audience at the Grand Theatre and Opera House rapturously applauded a quite exceptional performance which enriched and fortified the spirit. Recently appointed music director Steven Sloane lights into the opening chords with an ample gusto which, at a ...

... Agents' Association North West Branch Variety Showcase Salford Producer Barrie Lucas is instrumental in putting together this prestigious annual event, which raises funds for Manchester charities, at the Willows Club. Backing duo Celebrations are two of the best young musicians on the cabaret scene today, and did sterling work on what was a long and enjoyable evening. The KJkka Dancers opened ...

... Evocative and well designed Royal Albert Hall Madam Butterfly David Freeman's staging of Puccini's Madam Butterfly, first seen at this venue in 1998, has made a welcome return. David Roger's design still pleases, a dwelling wreathed in greenery and blossom at the centre of a water garden which, drained of water, becomes a Zen stone one for the second half. Having learned from last year's ...

... Big Top skills dazzle the crowd Monaco 24th International Circus Festival For the second successive year at this annual circus festival at Fontvieille, an act from Montreal's Cirque du Soleil set the crowd alight. Yves Decoste and Marie- Laure Mesnage are Vis Versa, a hand-to-hand balancing duo. Moving in seamless slow motion on a shallow domed plinth, they held the most extraordinary ...

... Cavelleria Rusticana/ I Pagtiacci Plymouth Love, betrayal and murder are the key elements of Opera South West's potent double bill at the Drum Studio. The cast, under the polished musical direction of Derek Kitt, captures the nuances of the marvellous melodies in these Italian masterpieces. The power and beauty of the Easter Hymn, On with the Motley and the famous intermezzo are fully ...