The Phantom of the Opera and Love Never Dies - Does the sequel succeed?

Phantom of the Opera premiered in London on 9 October 1986, and is now one of the world’s favourite musicals. The creators Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh originally conceived the idea as a tongue-in-cheek farce, and so the overwhelming success was quite unexpected. Nearly 35 years on and Lloyd Webber introduces us to ‘Love Never Dies’ the sequel production to Phantom. Earlier this week I went to see both shows on consecutive nights to see if they warrant all the hype and to decide if Love Never Dies lives up to the legend that is Phantom of the Opera.

As a music and drama graduate I will be honest that I am cynical about Lloyd Webber’s music, but none can deny the accessibility of this composer’s work bringing the musical to the masses. Phantom impressed me and definitely exceeded my expectations - a talented cast, grand set and costumes and exciting technical stunts make it visually magical. Phantom has many operatic qualities, including an orchestral power, a sense of luxury and a true classical style of singing from some of the lead roles. The huge success of the show is due to the hit songs that thread through the action. I recognised the numbers: ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ and ‘Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again’, and this made me feel instantly involved in the narrative.

Love Never Dies is an epic show. The story is mostly coherent; the music is just about bearable at times. The only aspect that excels for me is the spectacular circus scenes and clever use of projectors and lighting. This show is set in America, and so loses all the classic European elegance that Phantom displays, and sadly the operatic idea is mostly gone too, replaced by a garish psychedelic circus show. If you go to the theatre to see a spectacle then I can recommend Love Never Dies but for me the plot and music are far fetched and uninspiring.

So it seems the sequel has failed again. Without its popular predecessor I doubt Love Never Dies would be attracting large audiences. However one thing is for certain; The Phantom of the Opera deserves its status and is truly a masterpiece of the musical theatre genre.

Wolfgang Tillmans at The Serpentine

The Serpentine Gallery, in Hyde Park is one of a kind, and has become one of London’s best loved galleries. Every year its diverse programme attracts 800,000 visitors, and with free entrance there is no reason not to go and check out this prestigious space.

Last week I took advantage of their late night Friday opening times and went to see the Wolfgang Tillmans photography exhibition. If only galleries stayed open till 10 pm every night, I’m sure they would get many, many more visitors. I for one love going to see something after work, and know that I have missed out on a lot of shows because I couldn’t get to them in time.

This show is the first major exhibition of Wolfgang Tillmans’ work since 2003, and was conceived by the artist specifically for the Serpentine Gallery. A collection of recent and existing work is presented, showing the artist’s interest in portraiture and still life. Photos are hung from the walls with bulldog clips or stuck directly onto the wall. There is huge variety in the work, with some gritty photographs of people and objects and some much gentler, subtle abstract images. I found the Silver Installation VII 2009 (picture above) oddly mesmerising and particularly liked the random nature of the display. Tillmans’ images capture a moment but space is left for the viewer to imagine and while looking round I greatly appreciated this freedom of thought. I’m undecided about my final verdict on Tillmans work, I think the Serpentine is a great space so would encourage anyone to visit it, but personally I found the current exhibition a bit bland.

Another reason to visit the Serpentine this summer is the spectacular new Serpentine Gallery Pavilion, designed by Jean Nouvel. The intriguing red structure is a strange presence within the picturesque park setting. With a large presentation space and cafe as well as seating areas, table tennis tables and other games, it is bohemian heaven. On Friday evenings throughout the summer the Pavilion will host events including music, theatre, film, discussions and performances.

The Wolfgang Tillmans exhibition continues until 19 September 2010.

Pineapple dance classes

It can be a real struggle getting into an exercise routine. Let’s be honest, if you had the choice between a cinema outing or going to the gym... the film is likely to win. In London, there are so many things to experience and explore, for me exercise always gets pushed to the bottom of the list. Every morning I have to be at work at 8.30 am so pre-work work-outs don’t ever happen.

Pineapple Dance Studios could change all that. I started going a while back with a friend who, like me, also felt she needed more exercise. Pineapple, located in the heart of Covent Garden is cheap and easy to get involved in. With classes all day, every day (seven days a week) you can go whenever. I usually go straight after work, as weekend classes can be overcrowded.

Pineapple cover every genre of dance and more and this is what initially interested me. Aside from all the standard classes: ballet, jazz and tap, Pineapple offer many others that combine styles, sometimes the teachers even invent their own. My friend and I vowed to try all the wackiest of classes from Bollywood to Breakdance and Salsa to Street. They even have a Michael Jackson dance class for those MJ fans.

I recently tried the Brazilian Zouk, hard work but hilarious. The class involved lots of bum shaking and hair swishing, neither of which I was very good at. I left the class feeling a bit dizzy, but massively exhilarated by the new experience. I have since tried Fusion Yoga which I would recommend to anyone – a fun class with a very motivational instructor.

Take a look at the timetable and prices here, and start your exercise routine today!

GELUPO

I howl, you howl, we all howl for ice-cream... Well you will once you have visited Bocca di Lupo’s new Italian gelateria on Archer Street in Soho. GELUPO has been open just six weeks but already has some very keen, and greedy followers.

‘Bocca di Lupo’ is an Italian good luck phrase meaning ‘into the mouth of the wolf’, which is why the restaurant’s trademark image is the howling wolf. This restaurant is a favourite for foodies and just looking at the menu will make you hungry. Delicious regional treats from all over Italy, created by adventurous chef Jacob Kenedy. When dining at Bocca di Lupo it is best to share dishes, allowing one to taste as much as possible! There is a great atmosphere too, while sitting at a sleek wooden table you can watch the chefs at work.

When I went to Bocca di Lupo I found the desserts rather disappointing after the mouth-watering mains. And this is where Gelupo slots in: a lovely little deli just across the street from Bocca providing you with fresh gelato made that very same day. Open as late as 23:00 Sunday to Wednesday and 01:00 Thursday to Saturday.

My friend is the manager at Gelupo and he recommended I order the freshest flavours, which happened to be pistachio and strawberry. I narrowly missed the avocado & honey which sounds very intriguing... next time maybe. Every day the flavours vary, as they use only the freshest ingredients. Raspberry was apparently a winner, but they have had to stop making it due to the high cost of the fresh berries. For those of you watching your waistline, don’t fear, Gelupo’s gelato rarely uses cream or eggs in its recipes making it lighter and healthier.

Gelupo don’t just sell ice-cream, oh no. Amongst their beautifully stacked selves are all kinds of goodies to feast on. I spotted some yummy looking pasta, sausages and sauces.

Unfortunately Gelupo is rather hidden down yet another musky Soho street, but please when you’re next feeling peckish in Soho avoid Snog’s frozen yoghurts (just up the road) and wait to satisfy your cravings at Gelupo – I promise it will be worth it.

Check out the website here.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 13

Forget Breton stripes this season’s hottest new pattern is Bricks. This funky brick design can be seen in Olivia Rubin’s chic t-shirt.

Olivia Rubin is one of the most promising emerging female designers in London, most known for her graphic prints and her fun party frocks. This season she introduces some tempting tees too, with patterns quite unlike any other. After graduating from Central Saint Martins College in London, Olivia worked for Alexander McQueen and John Galliano before starting her own label six seasons ago.

This cotton t-shirt is £81, okay so it’s quite expensive, but I doubt you’ll see anyone else wearing such a fashion forward print. This is one of Olivia’s signature patterns and creates a refined but feminine look. It is a beautiful fit and made from top quality material. Great with skinny jeans or tucked into a high waisted skirt.

If you can’t stretch to this number, then watch out for Olivia’s more affordable diffusion collection for ASOS. She also did a range for popular e-tailer oli.co.uk called ‘Oli Fusion by Olivia Rubin’.

Set to be the tee of the season - get yours online before they sell out.

Tanguera at Sadler's Wells

Sadler’s Wells in Islington is one of London’s most prestigious dance venues. I have always had enjoyable experiences at this theatre despite my limited knowledge of dance. Last year I was lucky enough to see their breathtaking production of West Side Story. A few days ago I went back for more and watched Tanguera.

The Argentinian show, Tanguera is showing at Sadler’s Wells for a limited run, after selling out all over the world. Sure enough on Tuesday night the auditorium was packed to the brim and the audience around me were enthralled, with several people on their feet joining in. I hope the rest of the run does as well because the full theatre makes the atmosphere electric.

The storyline of Tanguera is a bit lack-lustre, and often the narrative of what is essentially a dance production can be unnecessarily contrived. However as ‘tanguera’ translates to ‘tango musical’ some kind of story is inevitable. There is no doubt that this cast is very talented. Leticia Fallacara is enchanting as the innocent Giselle, dancing with speed and precision but also creating a seductive lead character. There are some impressive routines too from the men, all dancing together in playful sequences. Some soulful vocal accompaniment is provided by Marianella, who has triumphed in many productions including her critically acclaimed interpretation of the role of Grizabella in ‘Cats’.

The music is beautiful throughout Tanguera, I could have listened to it alone all night. The show begins with a short interlude from the six piece band, this is charming and illustrates the musician’s natural understanding of the music they are interpreting. The musical ensemble is made up of two bandoneons (a type of concertina instrument similar to an accordion), piano, double bass, guitar and violin, all parts interweaving to create a full and dramatic sound.

I enjoyed the encore most. A powerful 10 minutes of Tango dancing that was far more passionate than the narrative that had preceded it. An overwhelming surge of energy washed over the stage and it was here that I felt the power of the movement as well as the rich culture of Buenos Aires.

Tanguera continues at Sadler’s Wells until 22 August 2010.

Buying and Selling at Chiswick Community School Carboot Sale

Chuck out the old, bring in the (nearly) new, it’s what car boot sales are all about. It is a wonderful feeling gathering all those unused bits and bobs together and selling them off for a pocket full of cash, even if you do go and spend it immediately in jubilation after your hard work.

With a father keen on collecting junk, I have in my time been to a lot of car boot sales, Chiswick Community School is perhaps the best. This giant sale runs on the first Sunday of every month (except January), it has some regular sellers but you will always come across exciting new stalls as well.

Here are the facts for a seller at Chiswick car boot:

- - no sale is ever cancelled, whatever the weather

- - the queue for sellers starts at 5.00 am

- - entrance for sellers is £15 for cars, £30 for vans, and £10 for walk in sellers

- - tables can be hired for £5, with a deposit of £25

- - sellers are let in at 7 am

- - selling hours are from 8 am – 1 pm

For buyers it is a lot simpler, once you’re there, pay your 50p and you are free to roam the sale. Be warned if you are driving to the sale parking spaces are rare, so public transport may be a better idea. You can find everything at this car boot bonanza: antiques, designer clothes, electronic games, homemade cakes, and anything else you can imagine, you just have to be prepared to rummage.

Just round the corner from the Chiswick car boot is the Dukes Meadow Farmers Market, selling fresh, reasonably local produce. The best lamb burger I have ever had was bought (and cooked in front of me) at this market, with a delicious homemade tomato chutney to accompany it. After a slab of rich chocolate cake from another stall I am generally ready to go home and look over my mornings buys.

More info on Chiswick car boot sale here.

More info on Dukes Meadow Farmers Market here.

Dirty Dancing cast change

I’ve been to see Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage twice in London’s West End. Once because my friend from university was singing in the show, and for a second time because I enjoyed my first visit so much.

The musical is based on the hit film with Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey. It captures both the love story and the impressive dancing. My only complaint is the lack of live music within the musical, it uses mostly recorded tracks. This focuses attention on the dances.

The cast of Dirty Dancing has recently changed with Hannah Vassallo as Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman, Johnny Wright as Johnny Castle and Dancing on Ice star Ray Quinn as Billy Kostecki. I often find that going to a show just after a cast change is the best time – the performance has a fresh energy that seems to fade later in a cast’s run.

Dirty Dancing has been enormously popular with London audiences. The show sold out for the first six months of its run before it even arrived on the London stage. Audiences are going back for more, with The Observer newspaper calling it “the biggest live theatre sensation of all time”, now is a good time to get your dancing fix.

Book tickets here.

Gordon's Wine Bar

Gordon’s Wine Bar is the oldest wine bar in London, established in 1890. It is a quirky little venue perfect for a special glass of wine and catch up with a few friends.

The interior is unlike any other with wooden walls and faded newspaper cuttings and memorabilia, creating a lovely atmosphere. Down the rickety stairs you go and it is sure to be a bit of a squeeze because its always full. The wine cellar is so authentic that you do feel a bit like you are going back in time, and the close proximity makes everyone much more friendly and considerate.

It is a family business and this is shown through the character of the bar. They only sell wine and traditional, delicious (and well-priced) food to munch on with your drink. I usually go for a selection of cheeses, thoroughly yummy and perfect with wine. There are cosy tables inside but I usually prefer to sit in the outside seating area, where a long row of tables create a real buzz.

Gordon’s Wine Bar is located at 47 Villiers Street, just up from Embankment tube station. It was introduced to me by a good friend, and ever since we have continued to go together. Close to the city and the river, it is conveniently located.

If like me, you like places with masses of character, I’m sure you will warm to Gordon’s.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 12

It’s back to school time, and even if you are long out of the education system, take advantage of the upcoming preppy trends, they are cooler than you’d think.

The Cambridge Satchel Company is a British company, that make all their products in the UK. Grazia call them “one of the biggest success stories of the year” and they feature as one of Elle Magazine’s ‘spring picks’. If you have been one of the many combing the London markets for an authentic vintage satchel, your search stops here.

The Cambridge Satchel Company have a range of leather bags - aside from the standard satchel they also offer the on-trend ‘batchel’ (“a satchel with the addition of a top handle, to make it easier to move around.”) They also have traditional music bags and stylish trunks. All come in varying sizes and colours.

My favourite thing about this company is their embossing service. Each leather item that you buy can be embossed with your initials or name, making it that extra bit more special and unique.

The different satchels vary in price (according to size) from £66 to £76 and would look equally at home in the school corridors or on the catwalk. For a more vintage feel I would advise going for the more neutral colours; black, brown or dark blue.

Urban Outfitters has a limited selection of these satchels on their shop floor, but for the best prices buy them from the website here.