|
|
|
|
|
And coming in at No 10 pop pickers, we have Jack Whittle as Tony Blair Tony! (The Tony Blair Rock Opera) Malvern Theatres ***** This hilarious musical tells the story of
how a peace-loving, long-haired hippie,with aspirations to be a pop
star, turned into a warmongering multimillionaire in a couple of
decades. Creators of the show, Harry Hill and Steve Brown
said “It’s a show for Tony lovers and haters everywhere”. The show, led by the highly talented Jack Whittle
as Tony Blair takes us on a rollercoaster of a journey through his life
starting with his birth. Introduced by Peter Mandelson, played by Howard
Samuels, we follow Tony’s life story as he receives a guitar for his 18th
birthday, aspires to be a rockstar and meet Mick Jagger, but ends up
working in a law firm in London. He marries Cherie Blair, brilliantly portrayed by
Tori Burgess and has several children, and after winning a boxing match
with Gordon Brown, played by Phil Sealey, he becomes Prime Minister,and
creates “New Labour”. On his travels he meets other characters such as
Saddam Hussein, Liam Gallagher, Alastair Campbell and Osama Bin laden,
and Princess Diana, all played by the nine highly talented cast
members. We are poignantly reminded of events such as the
death of Diana “the people’s princess“ played by Emma Jay Thomas, and
the several wars, culminating in the invasion of Iraq and the bombing of
Afghanistan. Neil Kinnock is played by Martin Johnstone, John
Prescott by Rosie Strobel, Robin Cook by Sally Cheng, with William
Hazell as on-stage cover. The dynamic songs, slick dance routines, and
dazzling sound and lighting effects, use of masks wigs and other props,
together with the sharp and bombastic humour throughout makes the show
sparkle and keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. Directed by Peter Rowe, the show runs to Saturday
22nd July. Jane Lush 18-07-23 |
|
|
|
