The world of musical theatre has given us countless memorable productions, but there are only a few that manage to capture the hearts of generations. “Annie” is undoubtedly one of those extraordinary shows that have stood the test of time. With its timeless story, unforgettable songs, and endearing characters, this beloved musical continues to captivate audiences of all ages, reminding us of the power of hope, resilience, and the importance of finding family in unexpected places. In this blog post, we will look into the magic of “Annie” and explore why it continues to be a cherished classic even decades after its debut.

For the purpose of this review, we were given free entries to Annie, The Musical.

Background

“Annie” takes us on a journey to the 1930s during the Great Depression, where we meet the optimistic and spunky Annie, a young orphan with an unwavering belief that her parents will one day return to claim her. Through a series of serendipitous events, Annie finds herself chosen to spend Christmas with the wealthy industrialist Oliver Warbucks, who ultimately helps her in her quest to find her family. The story of a little girl navigating a harsh world while retaining her hope and optimism resonates deeply with audiences, reminding us of the power of dreams and the strength of the human spirit.

Music and Lyrics

Annie is famous for its unforgettable music, composed by Charles Strouse, with lyrics by Martin Charnin. From the iconic anthem “Tomorrow” to the heartwarming “Maybe” and the uplifting “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” the musical is filled with catchy tunes that have become ingrained in popular culture. The songs beautifully convey the emotions of the characters, providing powerful moments that linger in the hearts and minds of the audience long after the curtain falls. Our favourite songs were “It’s The Hard-Knock Life”, “I Don’t Need Anything But You” and “Tomorrow.” Which was sang a few times throughout the musical.

Memorable Characters

One of the reasons Annie has remained a favourite among theatregoers is its memorable cast of characters. Annie’s indomitable spirit and her resilience in the face of adversity inspire audiences to believe in their own dreams. The larger-than-life personality of Daddy Warbucks, who is initially stern but gradually shows his softer side, provides a touching representation of the transformative power of love and compassion. The devious yet hilarious Miss Hannigan, played by Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood and the adorable and loyal Sandy, Annie’s faithful dog, add depth and humour to the story, making the characters all the more endearing.

At its core, Annie is a story about hope, family, and finding a sense of belonging. It reminds us that no matter how difficult life may seem, the power of optimism and the support of loved ones can carry us through even the darkest times. Annie’s unwavering belief that tomorrow will be better, her ability to see the good in people, and her resilience in the face of adversity serve as a beacon of hope for audiences of all ages. Especially the younger audience that attends the show.

Since its Broadway debut in 1977, “Annie” has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring numerous revivals, adaptations, and even a film, which we are sure brings so many childhood memories. The musical has touched the lives of millions of people around the world, bringing smiles to faces and tears to eyes. Its timeless themes and catchy songs continue to resonate with new generations, ensuring that the magic of “Annie” lives on.

Conclusion

The story is beautiful and has a nice message of hope and love. The songs are known by most people and are so catchy. The cast members did a fabulous job of bringing this story to life and making our Cardiff audience have this unforgettable experience. It was awesome to see Craig Revel Horwood in his Miss Hannigan role, but we are saddened that we could not witness the magical Paul O’Grady in full glory, because he would have been amazing too. May he Rest in Peace.
There were many nice moments throughout the musical and we do not want to spoil it, but there was Tap Dance and other nice choreography too. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the world of musical theatre, you are going to like this musical for sure and you do not want to miss the cute dog. Yes, there was a dog on stage and we all had heart-eyes over it.

Cast

Craig Revel Horwood as Miss Hannigan

Alex Bourne as Daddy Warbucks

Zoe Akinyosade as Annie

Amelia Adams as Grace Farrell

Paul French as Rooster

Billie-Kay as Lily

David Burrows as LT Ward, Franklin Roosevelt and Jimmy Johnson

A big thank you to Wales Millennium Centre for having us.

The length of this musical

The show runs for approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes (including 1 interval.)

Getting your tickets

Book your tickets now! You can purchase your tickets HERE. The ticket prices start from £18.00 and the show is available until Saturday 8th July 2023. There is still some availability in most days at the moment and remember to check the times of the shows, as they may vary.

Age guidance:  5+ (no under 2s.) Further details can be found on their website. 

If you have already watched this musical, let us know your thoughts in the comments below or if you go to watch it, come back and left us know too. 

Read our previous posts here and don’t forget to follow our socials Instagram and Twitter.

Thank you for reading. 

Stay safe

Kay

The post Annie at Wales Millennium Centre – Review appeared first on This Is Cardiff.

You can dine, go for a walk and have fun in Cardiff Bay and if the weather is nice you could even have a picnic by the water.

Millennium Centre

Apart from watching your favourite musicals in this beautiful building you can also enjoy some food and drinks at Ffresh Bar and Kitchen Restaurant. 

If you just want to socialise with friends there are cafes, Ffwrnais is a newly opened café bar situated on the ground floor of the building, right in the centre.

Whatever you choose to do, you will always have the best time in Millennium Centre, the architecture of this building is outstanding. 

Head over to their website to find out what musicals and shows they are showing at the moment. CLICK HERE

The Red Dragon Centre

This place is where you will find entertainment for all of the family. In there you can watch the latest films at Odeon Cinema, there are cafes and restaurants such as Hollywood Bowl and Five Guys. You can go to play games at the arcade, have a drink in the bar or have a go at bowling.

Go check out their website for any offers. CLICK HERE 

Cardiff Bay Pier Walk 

Starting from Millennium Centre, you will see the Pierhead Building (Red Building), which is a listed building of the National Assembly for Wales. Then as you turn you will see The Senedd building, this is a parliament building that has a debating chamber and three committee rooms. 

As you walk along the pier, you will come across the Norwegian Church Arts Centre, which is the building where the famous writer Roald Dahl was baptised. This centre also has a cafe where you can have cakes, sandwiches and drinks.

Tecniquest

This science centre hosts a range of exhibits and it is great for families, especially children. They have science theatre shows, Planetarium shows, Workshops and toddler days.

Find all the details you need on their WEBSITE including dates and prices of shows. 

Mermaid Quay – Bars And Restaurants

In Mermaid Quay, we are sure you will find a beautiful place to eat, drink and socialise. There is a range of different restaurants such as Bill’s, JRC Global Buffet, Zizzi, Las Iguanas and Nando’s.

Enjoy dining at one of these restaurants in Mermaid Quay, and if you are lucky and the weather is good, you can also admire the view of the bay. 

What other places would you recommend in Cardiff Bay?

Tell us in the comments below.

The post 5 Things To Do In Cardiff Bay appeared first on This Is Cardiff.

If you are a Titanic fan, you will be happy to know they are in Cardiff until Saturday 13th May. Celebrating their 10th anniversary, with a UK tour. The Titanic is one of the most infamous shipwrecks in history, and has been the subject of numerous books, movies, and other forms of art. One such artistic adaptation is the musical, “Titanic,” which premiered on Broadway in 1997.

For the purpose of this review, we were given free entries to Titanic, The Musical.

History

The musical was written by Peter Stone, with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston. It tells the story of the ill-fated maiden voyage of the Titanic, which sank on the 15th April, 1912, after colliding with an iceberg. The musical follows the lives of several passengers and crew members aboard the ship, as they grapple with the joy, romance, and tragedy of their journey. A total of 711 passengers survived this tragedy, with approximately 1,503 passengers who lost their lives.

“Titanic” was praised for its stunning score, which blends a range of musical styles, including classical, folk, and contemporary. The show features powerful ballads like “The Proposal/The Night Was Alive” and “I Give You My Hand,” as well as rousing ensemble numbers like “I Have Danced” and “Still.”

In addition to its memorable music, “Titanic” is also notable for its impressive staging. The show employs a massive set that recreates the ship’s interior and exterior with intricate lighting design, which plays a big part in this musical. This immersive production allows audiences to feel like they are on board the Titanic themselves, adding to the emotional impact of the show.

Despite its critical acclaim and success on Broadway (it won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical), “Titanic” has had a mixed reception over the years. Some critics have criticised the show for its unwieldy size and sprawling narrative, while others have praised its ambition and epic scale.

Regardless of one’s opinion on the musical, there is no denying that it offers a moving and thought-provoking exploration of the human drama behind one of history’s most tragic events. As we continue to reflect on the legacy of the Titanic, “Titanic” remains a powerful tribute to the lives that were lost and the stories that were left behind. It was nice to step away from the Titanic film (1997) story of Jack and Rose and dip into the true reality of the passengers of that ship and what they may have experienced, in that unforgettable trip.

Cast

Martin Allanson, plays J. Bruce Ismay
Valda Akiks, plays Ida Straus
Graham Bickley, plays Captain Edward Smith
Sam Brown, plays Frederick Fleet
James Darch, plays Edgar Beane
David Delve, plays Isidor Straus
Catherine Digges, plays Head Maid
Adam Filipe, plays Frederick Barrett
Emily George, plays Kate Murphy
Luke Harley, plays Andrew Latimer
Emma Harrold, plays Lady Caroline Neville
Alastair Hill, plays Harold Bride
Abi Hudson, plays Maid
Barnaby Hughes, plays Herbert Pitman / Henry Etches
Paul Kemble, plays Joseph Boxhall
Niamh Long, plays Kate Mullins
Matthew McDonald, plays Charles Clarke
Ian McLarnon, plays Thomas Andrews
Danny Michaels, plays Joseph Bell
Chris Nevin, plays Jim Farrell
Jack North, plays Charles Lightoller
Joseph Peacock, plays Bellboy / Wallace Hartley
Billy Roberts, plays William McMaster Murdoch
Bree Smith, plays Alice Beane
Lucie-Mae Summer, plays Kate McGowan

A big thank you to New Theatre, Cardiff for having us.

The length of this musical

The show runs for approximately 2 hours and 30 mins. Which includes a 20 minutes interval.

Getting your tickets

You can purchase your tickets HERE. The ticket prices start from £30.00 and the show is available until Saturday 13th May 2023. There is still some availability and remember to check the times of the shows, as they may vary.

If you have already watched this musical, let us know your thoughts in the comments below or if you go to watch it, come back here if you can and left us know too. 

Read our previous review here and don’t forget to follow our socials Instagram and Twitter.

Thank you for reading. 

Stay safe

Kay

The post Titanic, The Musical at New Theatre – Review appeared first on This Is Cardiff.

Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, has landed in Cardiff’s Wales Millennium Centre until the 20th May. For a whole two weeks, people will have the opportunity to attend this show and enjoy the magic it brings. We attended the opening night on Thursday and it was everything we imagined and more.

For the purpose of this review, we were given free entries to Roald Dahl’s, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Musical.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a beloved children’s novel by Roald Dahl, which has been adapted into several forms of media, including films, stage plays, and even an opera. One of the most recent adaptations is the musical version of the story, which premiered in London’s West End in 2013 and then made its way to Broadway in 2017. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Musical and explore what makes it such a fantastic adaptation of this classic story.

Plot

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a classic children’s novel written by Roald Dahl, first published in 1964. The story revolves around a young boy named Charlie Bucket, who lives with his parents and grandparents in a small, impoverished town. Charlie’s family is extremely poor, and they can barely afford to buy food, let alone candy or sweets. However, Charlie is a kind and optimistic child, and he never loses hope that things will get better.
One day, the famous candy maker, Willy Wonka, announces that he is going to open the gates of his mysterious chocolate factory to five lucky children who find golden tickets hidden in his candy bars. The entire world goes wild with excitement, and everyone wants to be one of the lucky few who get to see the magical factory. Charlie is desperate to find a golden ticket, but his family can’t afford to buy him candy, so he has to rely on pure luck. This story has a beautiful message of hope, love and humility, whilst providing joy and wonder to children as well as adults.

Set

One of the most notable things about the musical is the set design, which is simply breathtaking. The sets are designed to look like they are made out of candy and other sweet treats, which perfectly captures the whimsical and fantastical world of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. The use of vibrant colors, lighting, and special effects also adds to the overall magical feel of the show.

The musical is directed by James Brining, Director/Chief of Leeds Playhouse. The music and lyrics were composed by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, who also worked on the hit musicals “Hairspray” and “Catch Me If You Can.” Together, the creative team has produced a dazzling and imaginative show that captures the spirit of the original story while adding its own unique flair.

Another highlight of the musical is the performances of the cast members, especially the actors who played Charlie Bucket (Isaac Sugden), Grandpa Joe (Michael D’Cruze) and Willy Wonka (Gareth Snook.) Each of the actors brought their own unique energy and charm to their roles, making Charlie and the other characters endearing and relatable. Meanwhile, Willy Wonka is portrayed as a quirky, whimsical, and slightly mysterious figure and if you have been to London or Broadway productions, they have featured strong performances from the actors who played this iconic character.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a musical without the music, and “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” delivers on that front as well. The songs are catchy, fun, and often quite humorous, with titles like “The Candy Man,” “The Oompa Loompa Song,” and “It Must Be Believed to Be Seen.” The musical also included some poignant and emotional moments, particularly in the song “Pure Imagination”, which became our favourite song.

Conclusion

All in all, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: The Musical” is a delightful and entertaining show that is sure to please audiences of all ages. It captures the essence of Roald Dahl’s beloved story while also adding its own unique spin. With its stunning set design, strong performances, and catchy songs, it’s no wonder that this musical has become a favourite of theatre fans around the world.

Reviews from a younger audience:

The comments from our T.I.C (This is Cardiff) mini are as follows:

I like it so much, I want to cry – T.I.C mini (7 years old)

I want to go see Charlie and the Chocolate factory again – T.I.C mini (7 years old)

Cast

Charlie Bucket, played by Isaac Sugden
Grandpa Joe, played by Michael D’Cruze
Willy Wonka, played by Gareth Snook
Grandpa George / Mr Salt, played by Christopher Howell
Grandma Josephine / Mrs Gloop, played by Kate Milner Evans
Grandma Georgina / Mrs Beauregarde, played by Emily Winter
Mrs Bucket / Mrs Teavee, played by Leonie Spilsbury
Augustus Gloop, played by Robin Simoes Da Silva
Violet Beauregarde, played by Marisha Morgan
Veruca Salt, played by Emma Robotham Hunt
Mike Teavee, played by Teddy Hinde
Mrs Pratchett, played by Victoria Nicol
Jerry, played by Ewan Gillies
Cherry, played by Lucy Hutchison

A big thank you to Wales Millennium Centre for having us.

The length of this musical

The show runs for approximately 2 hours and 30 mins. Which includes a 20 minutes interval.

Getting your tickets

Book your GOLDEN TICKET! You can purchase your tickets HERE. The ticket prices start from £19.50 and the show is available until Saturday 20th May 2023. There is still availability in most days at the moment and remember to check the times of the shows, as they may vary.

Age guidance:  7+ (no under 2s). Further details can be found on their website. 

If you have already watched this musical, let us know your thoughts in the comments below or if you go to watch it, come back here if you can and left us know too. 

Read our previous review here and don’t forget to follow our socials Instagram and Twitter.

Thank you for reading. 

Stay safe

Kay

The post Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Musical at Wales Millennium Centre – Review appeared first on This Is Cardiff.

This is a sponsored post

We were kindly invited to Treetop Adventure Golf. Located in Level P3 in St. David’s, Cardiff City Centre.

There are four locations in the UK, one which it’s in the heart of Cardiff. Adventure golf consists of two 18 hole mini golf courses. Tropical Trail or Ancient Explorer. On the day you get to choose if you would like to do one or both courses and which course you would like to do, if you have chosen one.

We choose the Ancient Explorer course. There is The Sacred Mask and Chief Slumber. And along the way you will be distracted by the singing frogs, which we find awesome. It was great fun competing with the kids and between us we managed to score 4 holes in 1. Sadly for the kids, in the end the adults won.

At the entrance you are given a score card and a pencil and you are able to take the score of each playing member and add the total at the end. The facility counts with lockers, so you don’t have to carry your bag along and you can enjoy the experience without distractions.

Once you reach the end of the course, you get the opportunity to redeem yourself by having a Bonus 19th hole, which gives you the chance to win a FREE game on your next visit. We didn’t win this time but it was nice to be given a chance like that, specially with such a reward.

Fun Memories – Let’s not forget the photo booth. It is practical because your photos get sent straight to your email address. So there is no carrying photos around and there’s no chance to lose your photo.

After the excitement of mini golf, along came the pizzas and drinks at Pizza Cabana. The team were very friendly and helpful when it came to the dietary needs we had and we were all able to enjoy pizzas, without an issue. It is nice to be able to go to a place where you don’t feel left out because you cannot eat anything, specially when you are with kids, so we were happy for the inclusion.

Their new festive menu is available until Monday 2nd January 2023 and features Pigs ‘n’ Blankets Pizza, the Express Snowtini and more.

Prices:

18 holes (1 Course)

Adventurers £9.75
Senior masters (60+) £8.25
Young (under 5s) £4.50
Student putters* £8.25
Family of 4** £31

36 holes (2 courses)

Adventurers £15
Senior masters (60+) £12.50
Young (under 5s) £7.50
Student putters* (+FREE bottled beer, cider, 125ml wine or soft drink) £12.50
Family of 4** £48

*with valid student photo ID
** Family must have one child 12 years or under

NEW OFFER

Now the Early Bird offer is available on Sundays 10-12pm. Play 2 courses for the price of 1.
Monday to Friday: Before 1pm
Sundays: Before Midday

Note: Includes summer holidays. Excludes all other bank holidays and school holidays. Both courses to be played on the same visit.

Summary:

The kids had a blast and it is a good indoor activity. We all know what this UK weather is like, so this is something else fun to do in Cardiff indoors. It is an opportunity to let your competitive side out and to just have fun. There’s the Cabana, for food if you are hungry, there are lockers to store your items, the facility has toilets and most importantly the staff members are kind, friendly and always there to help out with queries and anything you have in mind.

Location:

Level P3
St David’s
Cardiff, CF10 2EL

Thanks to Treetop Adventure Golf in Cardiff for having us. We had a blast.

Be Safe

Thank you for reading.

Kay

The post Treetop Adventure Golf, Cardiff – Review appeared first on This Is Cardiff.

Adventure Cinema

An open air Cinema has landed in Cardiff. Showing Pulp Fiction (18), Encanto (PG) and Harry Potter & The Philosophers Stone (PG) Check the link for the dates and times of each film.

Place: Bute Park

Price: £0 – £14.50 + Eventbrite fees

Saturday 30th July-Sunday 31st July

Child Friendly Cardiff – The Summer of Fun Festival

Find a range of activities for the family. Workshops, performances, games and more.

Place: Cardiff City Lawn, City Hall

Price: Tickets £2 per person

Daily until 7th August.

Open from 10am-12:30pm & 1:30pm-4pm

Dinky Dragons

Soft play for babies and toddlers

Place: Museum of Cardiff, The Old Library

Free entry

12th August

Drop in 10am – 3pm 

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

This exhibition will showcase 100 backlit images, showing the beauties of earth and nature.

Place: National Museum Cardiff

Prices: General admission £10, Concessions £7, Free to under 16s and Amgueddfa Cymru Members

Running until 29th August.

Summer Fun at the Senedd

Craft activities, guided tours and many more

Place: Welsh Parliament, Cardiff Bay.

Free entry

Running until Tuesday 6th September

Open Monday to Friday, 10.30am-4.30pm

Summer of Fun Festival

Various activities across the city

In various locations. Check the link to see locations

Running until Monday 5th September

Jurassic Dinosaur Spectacular

Join the T. Rex and friends on an adventure.

Place: Margam Country Park

Price: £0 – £38.32

Monday 29 August 2022, 10am-5pm

Crafty Wednesdays

Craft activities for all of the family

Place: Museum of Cardiff, The Old Library

Price: £1 per child

Every Wednesday until 31st August.

Open from 10am-3pm

CoedLan – High Ropes

Climb, jump and balance through trees.

Place: St. Fagans National Museum of History

Price: £15 per person. Booking is essential

Requirements: Participants must be at least 110cm tall

Running until 4th September 2022, 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm and 4.15pm 

Museum Sleepover: Natural World From Home

Join the expedition in the comfort of your own home. Set up camp and get ready to be part of an adventure. From insects to a safari and much more.

Event organised by: National Museum Cardiff

Place: At home

Price: £5 + Eventbrite fees

Suitable ages: 4-12

13th-14th August, 2pm-10am

Gilbert’s Birthday

Take the Knight’s trail around the castle and you can design your suit of armour

Place: Caerphilly Castle

Price: Standard admission prices apply. Extra £2 for a set of armour to decorate

Monday 29th August 2022, 11:00am – 3.00pm

Cardiff Bay Family Fun Park

Outdoor funfair attractions.

Place: Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff Bay.

Running until Sunday 4th September.

The post What’s On In and Around Cardiff – Summer 2022 appeared first on This Is Cardiff.

Three words: Upbeat, Heartfelt and Spectacular. 

This musical has been seen by 110 million people all over the world and it is still one of West End’s best selling shows. And to proof it, they have been showing at Lyceum Theatre in London, since 1999. It is also currently the sixth longest running show in London’s West End. Many people travel from different cities and countries, just to witness and live this show. We are surely talking about non other than The Lion King. It is finally making its debut in Cardiff, since being here back in 2014. It is showing at the Wales Millennium Centre and Cardiff makes part of their UK tour. The best part is, they will be performing for seven glorious weeks. 

This is a sponsored post.

If you have seen Disney’s The Lion King animated film, then it is perhaps now time to watch the stage production. We attended the show’s press night on Tuesday and from the moment you get to the Wales Millennium Centre, the atmosphere is upbeat and you just see smiles on people’s faces. We were excited and our youngest This is Cardiff team members were static and they could not wait for the show to start.

We can not lie, we have seen The Lion King animated film many, many times and one of us is a die hard Lion King fan, so you can imagine the anticipation to see this musical. When we walked in the Donald Gordon Theatre, the atmosphere was joyful and everyone was smiling with excitement. As Act 1 begins, you witness performers dressed as animals, elephants, rhinoceros, antelopes and lions, to mention a few. They were running from the back of the theatre hall and exit doors, towards the stage and passing the audience.

The animals were going to greet the new baby cub Simba and Rafiki (played by Thandazile Soni) appears doing the ceremony, whilst the “Circle of Life” song is playing. And we must admit from this moment on, there were non expected tears. The stage set up, along with the animals moving around and the music, just makes it such an emotional moment. You will feel transported back to the 90’s, early 2000’s when you used to watch this film as a child. 

All throughout Act One there are drums, vibrant colours, heartfelt music and you get immersed in the story of this little cub named Simba, who is a cheeky, curious and happy. You witness Simba being drawn to the Elephant Graveyard, a land forbidden by his father. Who is none other than Mufasa, the king of the pride and is very protective of Simba. By this time you would have definitely laughed, cried and smiled, because this musical makes you feel so many emotions at once.
One moment you are smiling, then the next Zazu the red-billed hornbill (played by Matthew Forbes) delivers a cheeky line and you laugh with such joy. The lines Zazu delivers give the musical a modern feel and it makes the dialogue more relatable, specially for the children, when Frozen is mentioned (everyone knows about Frozen) and the Welsh city, Swansea is also mentioned. 

From the beginning of the show you get a feel of the upbeat African rhythms, the live drums give it a realistic feeling and the beautiful colours on the stage set up, props and costumes, adds the cherry on top of a wonderful cake. The musical arrangements are managed by Mark Mancina and Lebo M, who do an outstanding job of bringing out nature, the African culture and causing excitement in the audience with the cheerful melodies. This musical is directed by Julie Taymor, who not only directs the musical but is also responsible for costume design and has won a Tony Award for her work on The Lion King.

Costumes

The cast members costumes are insane. So well planned out, the way the masks on the lions lowers when the lions bow, is actually genius. The lionesses masks are another story (we do not want to spoilt it, so you will find out if you go and watch it.) The cast members are acting, dancing in these wonderful costumes and what look like slightly heavy masks. So well done to them, because it is a magnificent job they do for us to enjoy such performance. There can be over 30+ performers all on stage at once, some with head pieces, others are moving puppets and then there are performers like Timon, Pumbaa and the three hyenas Shenzi (Rebecca Omogbehin), Banzai (Simon Trinder) and Ed (Owain Rhys Davies), whos costumes have special features like the legs. And the mouth on Pumbaa. These costumes have complex methods of operation. 

Stage and Props

We have already mentioned the costumes, now it is time to talk about the stage and props. The Lion King takes inspiration from the landscapes in Africa. So you can imagine, the beautiful colours and scenery. The backdrops used are simple, yet they are enough to give the feel of the land and jungle. The use of lighting, specially in the scene Under The Stars, where Mufasa appears and talks to Simba in Act Two, it is so impressive and the prop to create Mufasa’s face is just wow. That was definitely one of our favourite parts of the musical. We were also impressed with the stage set for the stampede where Mufasa dies, it looked very real and took the musical to another level. There were definitely many favourite moments that will stay in our memories forever, but we do not want to spoilt it for you all.

The songs featured are “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” by young Simba, the all time favourite Timon and Pumbaa’s “Hakuna Matata” and the very romantic “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” amongst others.

Cast members

In “Shadowland” Nokwanda Khuzwayo who plays adult Nala, gets to truly shine and show the audience her impressive voice and so does Stephenson Ardern-Sodje who plays adult Simba, in his performance of “Endless Night.” The part of young Simba is played by Joshua Khanyisa Smith, who did a fantastic job of captivating the essence of Simba’s adventurous and innocent self. Young Nala, was played by Riley-Ann Nicholls Murphy, who was also brilliant and did her performance so effortlessly. It was very impressive, because these two performers are young but so profesional. Now, we are giving a special mention to Richard Hurst, who plays Scar (Mufasa’s brother), his performance was fenomenal, he was scary and played his role so beautifully, he is a villain but is loved by many.

And another mention to Jean-Luc Guizonne, who plays Mufasa, what a strong presence he has. His talent is insane and he played his character so on point, showing Mufasa’s authoritative side as King of the pride, his loving and caring side as a father and his strong presence as a lion. And how can we forget Alan Mchale (who played Timon), Carl Sanderson (who played Pumbaa), these two are Simba’s best friends who take him on adventures in the jungle, when he ran away as a cub. They will always make you belly laugh with their sillyness and great humour. Matthew Forbes (who played Zazu), Mufasa’s majordomo and royal advisor. His funny lines would come out unexpectedly and Thandazile Soni (who played Rafiki) with her heart warming and impactful voice, that would travel miles.

What are the differences between The Lion King film and The Lion King musical?

Now you may be wondering. Are there differences between the musical and the animated film. The answer is yes. There are a few differences, for example: Rafiki in the film is a male and in this musical is a female. There is more focus on the lionesses this time, with them doing a dance/chant that was very well choreographed and so harmonious. This was nice to see, because there was not much focus on the lionesses in the film, which would have been nice specially at the time when the film came out. And we also must remember this is a musical, so every aspect of the film is portrayed by costumes and stage designs, to bring the scenes to life. 

What is the length of this musical?

The show runs for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, with a one 15 minute interval for you to stretch your legs, wipe your tears and prepare for Act 2. 

Reviews from a younger audience

The reviews from our T.I.C (This is Cardiff) minis are as follows:

It was good, I liked the music and I liked the characters. – T.I.C mini (9 years old)

Can we go watch Lion King again tomorrow please? And also that the hyenas were scary – T.I.C mini (5 years old)

As you can see honest reviews here from a much younger audience. We did get a comment that it was a little long, but they sat down and watched because they found it very entertaining. 

Special thanks to Wales Millennium Centre for having us. We had a blast.

Where to buy tickets for The Lion King musical

The Lion King will be showing at Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay, until 27 August 2022. This event is recommended for ages 6 and up. Children under 3 years of age are not permitted at this show. Tickets start from £22.50, just click HERE to book your tickets or visit the Wales Millennium Centre website for more details. You won’t regret it. There are a few tickets left on different dates, so be quick as you would not want to miss out.

Note: If you go to The Lion King, you can use Disney’s filter on Instagram. It can be found by searching for “The Lion King UK” in the app, so you can take some cool pictures. 

As always thank you for your support and if you have read this far, thank you for reading.

Be safe.

Kay

The post Disney’s The Lion King Musical at Wales Millennium Centre – Our Review appeared first on This Is Cardiff.

The Play That Goes Wrong has landed in Cardiff to make everyone laugh and have a good time. It is an award winning comedy act, that has been in London’s West End for seven years already. Created by Henry Lewis, Henry Shields and Jonathan Sayer for Mischief Theatre Company.

For the purposes of this review, we were given free entries to The Play That Goes Wrong.

We were kindly invited by Wales Millennium Centre, to attend the opening night of this show on Monday. We had previously heard about the show, but we didn’t know what to expect. The show starts very unexpectedly, we had never been to a show where the cast were actually walking around near the audience and there was a point where we weren’t sure whether the show had started or not. Everything started with a cast member looking for a lost dog. And if you go to this event you will know what we are talking about. The lights were still on, so at this point everyone is wondering what is happening and are confused, like we were.

There is no denying that from the very beginning you start laughing, because the show starts and you get that sense that things are not going right. A member of the audience gets pulled out by a backstage member of staff, to help mend a broken mantelpiece. And it doesn’t quiet go right, even though she did do her best in helping the staff. That was very fun to see. This is a first for us, it is great to see a member of the audience get to experience being on stage, receiving everyone’s applause and energy.

The Cornley Drama Society bring us a 1920’s murder mystery, to discover who has murdered the owner of a manor, Charles Haversham. During the play you see doors getting stuck, things falling from their place, cast members misplacing props, forgetting lines and mispronouncing words. The tech team messing up the music and lighting queues, from beginning to end you see that it is one catastrophe after another. 

Ultimately everything that could go wrong, does go wrong. And it has you in deep belly laughs, because it is genuinely funny. In the First Act Inspector Carter, along with the help of Perkins (Haversham’s butler) try to establish Mr Haversham’s cause of death. In this act we would say are favourite part is the interpretation of Cecil’s lines. He does them by acting out what he is saying. Which is fantastic and funny. All the cast members were fantastic, but we can not deny our favourites were Cecil and Perkins. And you must go to watch this, so you find out for yourself why we liked them. 

In the Second Act the mystery is finally solved and no, we aren’t going to say what happened because we want to recommend you to go and watch it! You will have a pleasant time and we can guarantee that. In this act, if you thought doors getting stuck and things falling off the walls was bad, then you are not prepared to see what happens in this act. The whole set walls fall off, there is also floors collapsing, with the play ending with the whole set collapsed. What a great end to a funny play. The cast were amazing and a big praise to the production team, who have created a very clever show, the set was very cleverly planned and the props are all on point. Well done. 

Thanks to Wales Millennium Centre for having us.

The Play That Goes Wrong is a family event, where children as young as 8+ years old can attend. It will be showing at Wales Millennium Centre, as part of their UK tour and they will be there until Saturday 18 June. Tickets start from £15.50. Go to the Wales Millennium Centre website for more details, you will find the link in our bio. 

Thanks to our readers.

Stay Safe.

The post The Play That Goes Wrong – Our Review appeared first on This Is Cardiff.

The all time favourite show Six, is on tour in UK and has arrived to Cardiff at the Wales Millennium Centre. It will be running from 3-14 May 2022, Donald Gordon Theatre.

For the purposes of this review, we were given free entries to Six The Musical.

We had the opportunity to attend the press night of SIX and we really did not know what to expect as we had never seen this show before. From the get go the first thing you admire are the very modern yet Tudor inspired costumes, with vibrant colours and the girls had beautiful, fun make up and we need to mention if you are into shoes. You will love their shiny shoes.

This show starts off by showing the six wives of Henry VIII as they all tell their tales of their marriages and fates. The wives take the stage to show their lives with Henry VIII from their point of view, giving us a glimpse into what these women had to possibly endure in that era. An era where women power was not such as thing as it is today. In the end they turn from Tudor wives to singing sensations, each with their own beautiful and unique voices.

Divorced. Beheaded. Died.
Divorced. Beheaded. Survived.

The wives each take turns to tell their stories. Stories of sadness, love and even death. In hopes of, in the end choosing a wife who would end the rivalry between them and be chosen as Favourite Wife. But ultimately they come to a conclusion that all of their stories were tragic, but beautiful in their own ways and they unite by singing a powerful song, that portrays girl power, unity, love and compassion.

We found the show to be very fun, quirky and quite educational. Who would have thought that such an important part of UK history could be portrayed in a show so beautifully and yet be informative at the same time. The show had an all women band, which we thought was amazing and the cast all made sure to praise their band as a team and as individuals. Which shows the respect the cast has for these amazing musicians, who all played phenomenally.

The costumes were bold, with vibrant colours, yet inspired by Tudor dresses and their hairstyles looked glamorous. It was a simple setting, but the lights and features were enough for what the show was trying to show us, the audience. The band were standing behind the cast on a slightly elevated stage of their own. We found ourselves captivated by the stories, the fun beats, on point choreography and catchy songs. We are not going to say who our favourite wife was, but keep an eye out for the pink hair.

You will get a full 80 minutes of none stop fun moments, excitement and beats. The cast make a big effort in getting the audience involved and by the end of the show, they had impressed us so much that everyone stood up and clapped with excitement and gratitude for the fun time we all had.

Thank you Wales Millennium Centre for having us.

If you are into history, singing, dancing or even if you are not. It is worth watching, there’s fun to be had. And it is guaranteed, you will have fun if you go to watch SIX. From viewers as young as 10+ years, it can be a family day out. Remember this show will be running until the 14th May 2022 and there is still tickets available on some dates, so don’t miss out.

Thanks to our readers.

Stay Safe

The post Six The Musical – Our Review appeared first on This Is Cardiff.

This is a sponsored post.

Once again the Wales Millennium Centre brings another show to wow us, this time is Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker!

The show starts with cast members coming on the stage, with their happy faces, some waving, others showing their cheeky side. Anticipating to the audience what there is to come.

The show then continues showing Dr Dross’s orphanage, where there was great dancing, very cheeky scenes, the magic and wonder of Christmas Eve. Then it moves onto a beautiful setting of winter wonderland, where the choreography is phenomenal and the costumes are dazzling.

We really liked that apart from being a very captivating show, there are loads of little moments that fill you with laughter and others, with joy. There isn’t a moment on the show, where you are not with your eyes peeled to see what is next, because apart from the great choreography, the costumes are just so beautiful and creative.

On the first part of the show our favourite part was the moment the Nutcracker (now turned prince) dances with Clara in her white dress. It was some romantic and beautiful. We loved it!

After the interval you have the very cool setting of Sweetieland, which is a very fun candy kingdom. If you thought the costumes before were nice, this is where they get very fun. It is hard not to fall in love with the Marshmallow Girls costume. This time we could not choose a favourite part, because we loved it all together.

We have found this experience nice and the show kept us very intrigued and excited the whole time. Tchaikovsky’s music was everything and more. It was funny, witty, had so many cheeky moments and the choreography is just phenomenal. These guys are so talented. Congratulations on such a fabulous show.

Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! Will be at Wales Millennium Centre – Donald Gordon Theatre between 22-26 March 2022. So don’t miss out. You’ll love it.

Thank you so much Wales Millenium Centre for having us. It was so much fun, we had a blast.

Are you a fan of Nutcracker? What are your thoughts comment below.

Thank you for dropping by.

Stay Safe.

The post Matthew Bourne’s Nutcracker! Wales Millenium Centre – Our Review appeared first on This Is Cardiff.