Phantom, Flintoff and ITV filming #LDNproject
This is going to be the first post I write a little series called 'The London Project'. I have been exploring London and all the fabulous things it has to offer for a couple of years now, so thought it's about time I document my findings. Be prepared, this series is going to be heavily Musical Theatre based but, if you enjoy that kind of thing, stick around, it's going to be fun!
So first let me give you a bit of back story... When I moved to London I made the decision to avoid living in student accommadation and instead move in with a family. BEST. DECISION. EVER. I completely landed on my feet. The family is comprised of a singer/singing teacher, a physiotherapist and their two young kids. I get free singing lessons. They get a free babysitter. Whats not to love? And then occasionally I get the privilege to attend events such as the live filming for ITV's 'All Star Musicals' thanks to a very lovely physiotherapist I know who works on the show.
'All Star Musicals' is a new show to ITV that is to air sometime over this Christmas season. Filmed at the legendary London Palladium and hosted by Freddie Flintoff, the show promises to be an 'all singing, all dancing musical extravaganza'. After having been closely mentored by West End royalty himself, Michael Crawford, (famous for originating the titular role in Andrew Lloyd Webbers' ''The Phantom of the Opera' - 1986) the seven famous faces will, in turn, take to the stage to perform an iconic Musical Theatre number with full costume, props, backing dancers and amazing live music from 'Dave Arch and his wonderful orchestra'.
On arriving at the London Palladium I was completely overwhelmed. I've been to many theatres in my life but nothing as gorgeous and sophisticated as this. Spotlights highlighted the pillars that lined the entrance of the theatre, members of staff were pristine in their uniforms (top hats and all!) and the que for tickets traced three sides of the building. I felt rather smug as I waltzed passed the massive que clasping the tickets I'd just retrieved from stage door in my hands.
Once seated I was able to really take in the magnitude of the theatre. There are 2,286 seats in the London Palladium making it the second largest theatre in London's West End. Cameras were everywhere, including a rather large one on a crane directly above my head (I soon realised that standing ovations were out of the question). The audience was completely electric, particularly on the Royal Circle where we had all the supportive friend and family of the celebs about to perform.
The show itself didn't fail to impress. The on and off screen presenters were hilarious, dance routines were fabulous and the celebrities did a great job at replicating their chosen musical number. I had two favourite performances of the night. The first was performed by Michael Parr who did a brilliant rendition of 'Master of the House' from 'Les Miserables'. The number was fun, light-hearted and had the audience clapping and cheering along. The second was performed by Lucy Fallon who sung the iconic 'Don't cry for me Argentina' from 'Evita' whilst wearing very white dress Elaine Paige wore whilst in the West End show! I'm proud to say that one off my favourite performances did win the show, however I'm going to refrain from announcing who it was as I don't want to spoil the surprise...
Overall I had a great time at this show. Being able to experience the behind workings of a TV show was incredibly interesting - I would everyone to go. You leave with a new found respect for the time and effort that goes into making shows of this kind. Most tickets are very low in price or even free so are very worth it (So long as you don't then spend all your money on refreshments - I paid £6 for a packet of malteasers and a bottle of water with no lid).
For more information on 'All Star Musicals': http://www.itv.com/presscentre/press-releases/itv-announces-all-star-musicals-michael-crawford
And Heres some information on more events soon to come to the London Palladium:
http://www.reallyusefultheatres.co.uk/our-theatres/london-palladium
So first let me give you a bit of back story... When I moved to London I made the decision to avoid living in student accommadation and instead move in with a family. BEST. DECISION. EVER. I completely landed on my feet. The family is comprised of a singer/singing teacher, a physiotherapist and their two young kids. I get free singing lessons. They get a free babysitter. Whats not to love? And then occasionally I get the privilege to attend events such as the live filming for ITV's 'All Star Musicals' thanks to a very lovely physiotherapist I know who works on the show.
'All Star Musicals' is a new show to ITV that is to air sometime over this Christmas season. Filmed at the legendary London Palladium and hosted by Freddie Flintoff, the show promises to be an 'all singing, all dancing musical extravaganza'. After having been closely mentored by West End royalty himself, Michael Crawford, (famous for originating the titular role in Andrew Lloyd Webbers' ''The Phantom of the Opera' - 1986) the seven famous faces will, in turn, take to the stage to perform an iconic Musical Theatre number with full costume, props, backing dancers and amazing live music from 'Dave Arch and his wonderful orchestra'.On arriving at the London Palladium I was completely overwhelmed. I've been to many theatres in my life but nothing as gorgeous and sophisticated as this. Spotlights highlighted the pillars that lined the entrance of the theatre, members of staff were pristine in their uniforms (top hats and all!) and the que for tickets traced three sides of the building. I felt rather smug as I waltzed passed the massive que clasping the tickets I'd just retrieved from stage door in my hands.
Once seated I was able to really take in the magnitude of the theatre. There are 2,286 seats in the London Palladium making it the second largest theatre in London's West End. Cameras were everywhere, including a rather large one on a crane directly above my head (I soon realised that standing ovations were out of the question). The audience was completely electric, particularly on the Royal Circle where we had all the supportive friend and family of the celebs about to perform.
The show itself didn't fail to impress. The on and off screen presenters were hilarious, dance routines were fabulous and the celebrities did a great job at replicating their chosen musical number. I had two favourite performances of the night. The first was performed by Michael Parr who did a brilliant rendition of 'Master of the House' from 'Les Miserables'. The number was fun, light-hearted and had the audience clapping and cheering along. The second was performed by Lucy Fallon who sung the iconic 'Don't cry for me Argentina' from 'Evita' whilst wearing very white dress Elaine Paige wore whilst in the West End show! I'm proud to say that one off my favourite performances did win the show, however I'm going to refrain from announcing who it was as I don't want to spoil the surprise...
Overall I had a great time at this show. Being able to experience the behind workings of a TV show was incredibly interesting - I would everyone to go. You leave with a new found respect for the time and effort that goes into making shows of this kind. Most tickets are very low in price or even free so are very worth it (So long as you don't then spend all your money on refreshments - I paid £6 for a packet of malteasers and a bottle of water with no lid).
For more information on 'All Star Musicals': http://www.itv.com/presscentre/press-releases/itv-announces-all-star-musicals-michael-crawford
And Heres some information on more events soon to come to the London Palladium:
http://www.reallyusefultheatres.co.uk/our-theatres/london-palladium
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