Legally Blonde at The Savoy Theatre

I have waited what seems an age to see Legally Blonde the Musical.

Actually the show hit London’s West End only six months ago, after receiving seven Tony Award nominations in its first year on Broadway. Already the English are hailing it a sensation, with The Independent claiming it ‘perfection’ and The Times thinking it ‘delightful’. I haven’t heard a bad word about it and was surprised to hear that even my football crazed boss at work is a fan. So what is it about this musical that is so universally popular?

Both the music and words are written by Laurence O’Keefe. The music is cheerful and catchy, and the repetition makes it easy for audiences to remember the songs. The lyrics are ingeniously snappy and sharp-witted. But this production possesses something extra to make it as infectious as it is: a superbly talented cast.

There is nothing not to adore about Sheridan Smith. A bubbly blonde (in real life too) she has a very endearing, unaffected charm that makes her instantly likeable. But that’s not all, she has real star quality as well. Starting her musical career young in the National Youth Theatre it is no surprise that both her singing and acting are of the highest standard. The role of Elle Woods comes so naturally to her that this London production becomes just as much about Sheridan as it is about Elle. Any thoughts of Reese Witherspoon fly out the door.

I attended Legally on Richard Fleeshman’s opening night as the shallow Warner Huntington III. Despite being barely 21 years old Fleeshman excelled onstage and bounced off Smith’s theatricality beautifully. I could easily rant on about the other fabulous cast members: Alex Gaumond as Emmett Forrest, Peter Davison as Professor Callahan and Jill Halfpenny as Paulette Buonufonte, all three far exceeded my expectations.

Legally Blonde is a musical theatre masterpiece that deserves all the praise it has so far received. I can say, with no qualms, that it is the best show currently on in London’s West End.

Book now here.

Cafe Pacifico in Covent Garden

I believe a restaurant's atmosphere is crucial to its lasting success. Last weekend I was taken to the vivacious Cafe Pacifico in Covent Garden.

With branches in Amsterdam and Paris this restaurant is a cosmopolitan success. Cafe Pacifico opened in 1982, and often hosts events in the premises' large open space. They boast delicious cocktails, that you can sip at the long wooden bar while you wait to be seated. I drank Mojitos, my favourite cocktail, I am picky about the recipe but Cafe Pacifico definitely passed the test.

The food was delicious, although beware, the portions are big - particularly a danger for girls when eating with a boy with a rather pathetic appetite. Cheese and avocado (my two vices) feature heavily in Mexican food so I don't go short.

Sharing dishes in Cafe Pacifico is the way forward, it allows you to try more, for instance the smoked chicken quesadillas, which I loved.

This restaurant has character and a real party atmosphere, it's perfect for a fun Friday night out.

http://www.cafepacifico-laperla.com/cpl.html

BP PORTRAIT AWARDS 2010

Daphne Todd's 'Last Portrait of Mother'

Every year The National Portrait Gallery houses the BP Portrait Awards. It features the paintings of artists from all over the world; with a first prize incentive of £25,000 this award can launch an artist's career.

This year there were 2,177 entrants, of which 58 works were selected. Subjects vary from intimate family portraits, revealing self portraits and even a few of familiar celebrities.

I was disappointed to find that the winners' portraits had been decided and the results displayed, as I found this affected my opinions of the works. First prize was awarded to Daphne Todd for her poignant painting of her mother on her deathbed.

Eliot Haigh's 'Quena'

My personal favourite in the show was Quena by Eliot Haigh. A soulful painting capturing a private moment of contemplation. My companion's favourite was Alan Coulson's 'Ciara', a portrait of the artist's wife that reflects the intimacy of their relationship. A large painting, the artist shows precise detail and yet still creates a painting of mood and character.

Portraiture is a subject that touches all of us. We see faces everyday, ours and other people's. The BP Portrait Awards are on until 19 September, and with a Visitors Award it's worth going to have your vote.

Women, Power and Politics: Then and Now at The Tricycle

The Tricycle is putting on nine short plays this month on the topic of women in politics, all written by female playwrights. The plays are split into two sets, Then and Now, that together make up the best part of seven hours. An epic project that reminds me of Wagner's legendary Ring Cycle.

The Tricycle Theatre is building quite a reputation for its interesting topical programmes promoting the work of new playwrights. Tucked away in Kilburn the Tricycle has a friendly inclusive atmosphere, with an inexpensive bar and relaxed seating areas. I was impressed to see such a diverse audience attending a such a specialised drama.

There is too much talent to mention here, both on stage and behind the scenes. On the whole though I preferred the Then section of the day, the plays were wittier and scripts more engaging. My favourite play would have to be the brilliantly funny 'Handbagged' by Moira Buffini. It explores the relationship between Margaret Thatcher (Mags) and The Queen (Liz) and their fall-out in the 80s. Particular mention must go to Claire Cox who acted brilliantly throughout, she often made eye contact with the audience making her performance all the more engaging. The verbatim reports that sporadically appear are very enjoyable; they feature snippets of politicians holding forth from Edwina Currie to Nick Clegg.

All but one of the plays are directed exuberantly by Indhu Rubasingham. These shows can be seen together but stand equally well alone.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 5

This week I wanted to introduce you to one of my favourite shops, Butler and Wilson. This year they celebrate their 40^th Birthday.

Everything in this shop glistens and sparkles, every corner filled with the most outrageous of jewels. This is costume jewellery at its very best.

I’ve chosen the skull stud earrings for this week's Hot on the Highstreet. Skulls are everywhere at the moment, and are the trademark symbol of the epic designer, Alexander McQueen.

Butler and Wilson’s skull earrings come in an array of colours, for every occasion. At only £18 they are a budget way of adding sparkle to an outfit.

Buy here.

The Riverside in Hammersmith

The Riverside in Hammersmith has always got something new and exciting going on. The theatre 'aims to be London's pre-eminent space for risk, inspiration and creativity', and from my experience it succeeds in this mission tremendously.

The Riverside boasts many other wonderful assets too. The comfortable cafe/bar is situated in the centre of the building and is a lively and friendly place to sit pre or post show. My favourite thing about the Riverside is the river terrace that can be found hiding at the back of the building. Here they offer delicious food and an impressive view to accompany your meal. If you don't wish to eat you can perch on the wall and sit at the river's edge. My friend and I sat here for a while before the show, with the beautiful sunset and rippling water surrounding us, it was quite spectacular.

We went to see Hens, the third play in Sky Arts Playhouse: Live season. A very enjoyable show in a great space.

In July the Riverside brings us previews of the best of this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival. With nearly 30 preview shows to choose from, there is sure to be something for everyone.

http://www.riversidestudios.co.uk/

Carmen at The Royal Opera House

You can always expect a fantastic spectacle at one of London’s finest theatres, the Royal Opera House. And their current production of Carmen only enhances that reputation.

Bizet’s Carmen is definitely a crowd pleaser, with many singable songs. This production, by Francesca Zambello was first seen at Covent Garden in 2006 and continues to impress four years later, with Duncan Macfarland as the revival director.

Maija Kovalevska is stunning as the timid Michaela, her soprano voice soars on the expansive stage. Her efforts were rewarded at the curtain call when she received the most “bravos” and, for me, she stole the show. Carmen, played by British mezzo-soprano Christine Rice is suitably tempestuous. Rice definitely looks the part and vocally is passionate and alluring. Bryan Hymel is disappointing as Don Jose; he seemed to struggle, particularly in the earlier arias. The orchestra is conducted sublimely by Greek conductor Constantinos Carydis, although at times I was enjoying the music so much I felt it could have been louder.

Costumes and set are lavish and grand, aspects that I always expect and love at the Royal Opera House. Tall burnt-orange coloured walls surround the stage, particularly inspired for the final bullfight. The cast is large and often on stage. At the start children, donkeys, horses, chickens all run about, whether this authentically evokes Seville is debatable but it’s certainly fun to watch.

For those willing to stand at the back, there are great cheap deals.

Carmen finishes on 26 June, but with a fabulous summer programme coming up of Manon, Simon Boccanegra, Salome and La Traviata, it’s worth treating yourself.

Book here.

I Love Leon

Everyday I order the lunches at work, if people don't like what I've ordered they're not happy. I try to order a wide variety but I find that I can't ever please everyone.

A few months ago I tried out Leon, a restaurant I had heard about from several foodie friends. Leon have a strong belief that food should 'taste good and do you good'. They use the freshest of ingredients to ensure their food is always full of flavour.

My office loves Leon and rejoices when it comes through the door. I get requests for Leon almost every day. The menu is varied, with options for all. Healthy but delicious. My favourite is the chicken and chorizo wrap, which comes warm, the meatballs and superfood salads are also great.

Leon has received numerous awards for its indisputably yummy 'fast' food. And if that isn't enough, they have their very own cookbook as well. So spread the word and go and try it yourself!

http://www.leonrestaurants.co.uk/

Tightrope at the Lyric

In the heart of Hammersmith lies West London’s most promising theatre, The Lyric. This venue offers an eclectic array of shows. Last weekend I went to see their current production, Tightrope.

Tightrope is a show performed by the Lyric’s resident dance theatre company, Amici, integrating able bodied and disabled performers. In this way it challenges the conventional expectations of theatre audiences.

When you sit down you don’t know what to expect. Performers of all kinds wander joyously onto the stage, some in wheelchairs others being helped by Amici performers, each has their own part to play in this story. Tightrope has everything you imagine a circus to have: clowns, strongmen, tightrope walkers and snake charmers.

On the street disabled people may have a low profile but here their talent is celebrated, and these artists love the attention. The wheelchair performers are particularly inspiring, one man rises from the floor (out of his chair) high into the air, another, ‘the wheelchair showgirl’ dances beautifully across the stage. A small band accompany the show and short poems, written by Amici member Chrissie Kugele are sung.

Tightrope may be uncomfortable for some at first, but as the evening progresses you appreciate the beauty of this show and the prejudices that it overcomes. And as you laugh with these performers there are smiles all round.

http://www.lyric.co.uk/p668.html

Idomeneo at the ENO

The ENO boldly present Idomeneo this month at Covent Garden. Idomeneo is the young Mozart’s classical drama.

This production is directed by the award-winning Katie Mitchell. It is presented in modern day dress, an interesting concept but one that occasionally overpowers the drama. I definitely miss the grandeur of the antique costumes you might expect in a Mozart opera. The staging is immense, with an almost constant rippling sea as the backdrop. The theme of water is central to the drama and you are reminded often of its importance.

Performances are impressive from the four leads. British tenor, Paul Nilon leads the company as the great Idomeneo. Nilon’s performance is staggering, he sings every virtuosic aria with ease and perfection, making the most of Mozart’s lyrical writing. Robert Murray is less convincing as the son Idamante, although sings well throughout. The two women, Emma Bell as the tormented Electra and Sarah Tynan as Princess Ilia have a wonderful dynamic on stage. Bell is ravishingly fiery and Tynan melancholic and gentle. Adam Green sings the role of Arbace with great gusto.

Idomeneo is rarely staged, perhaps because of its length. Hopefully after this run at the ENO it will make it to our London stages more often.

Idomeneo continues until 9 July, book tickets here.