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| Photography by Karina. Unsung genius. |
Seriously, what's not to love?? A bit of glitz and glamour, mwah-mwah air kissing and back patting. Beautiful gowns and handsome men in Black Tie.The Olivier's were such a treat (and a rather last-minute event for us) so we had no real expectations other than rather a lot of excitement and something other to do on a Sunday evening than the usual humdrum and catching up with chores. Any old excuse to don our fancy frocks again. And it proved to be every bit as fabulous as we expected, though we did feel slightly like the poor peasants of the theatre community (but more of that in a moment).
Let's just start off by saying that no one puts the Theatrefairies in the corner. Or indeed 'the viewing pen'. Hear that, Mr Bigwig Olivier Security Man??? No one. Though we were tempted to have a gander as the rich and famous posed and schmoozed on the red carpet, we were swiftly moved on - unless we wanted to enter 'the viewing pen'. Err, no, was the answer to that question. No biggie, as we had seats to occupy in the Theatre Royal itself. High up in the Theatre Royal. Besides, Jodie Prenger, bless her, was making a right pigs ear of interviewing on the red carpet - truly cringeworthy in places. Just goes to show that being able to sing and act doesn't make you a natural in all areas of showbiz...also, wearing a dress which covers ones...decolletage might be advisable for future engagements. It was like seeing two small bald children tussling for room under that gown.
So, clutching our tickets and brushing off our posh frocks, in we went after a stern warning about the need to empty our collective bladders before the show started. There would be no interval, just a 7 minute "pause", and so no time for luxuries like visiting the ladies room. Like good little girls we listened; and like fully toilet-trained adults were able to sit through 3.5 hrs without a pitstop. Shame the same can`t be said of many of our balcony-residing colleagues, who clipped clopped up and down the stairs all the livelong night. Given that most were in long eveningwear its frankly a miracle they all made it in one piece. (And also in view of the fact that 2.5hrs in we were ready to trip the 700th person. The temptation was strong...)
Our seats were fab, actually. Although in the Gods, we were able to see the entire stage, we heard everything and even managed to get two glasses of (free) champagne each, just by virtue of being smiley and in the right seats at the right time. The programme is such a thing of joy. Quality. With embossed writing and everything. We do like a trinket or a memento of a special occasion. But on with the show.
To start with Mica Burns, the President of the Society of London Theatre said a few words...general house keeping stuff, and going on about how marvellous the thespian community is. We have no problem with this. But there did seem to be a bit of a political agenda, especially in terms of the planned cuts to the arts funds. She wasn't the only one to mention it; it was spoken of ad nauseum. Of course it's a worry. Of course it's a sign of the difficult fiscal climate. But. Taking into account that this was the first time in God knows how many years the Oliviers were opened up for Joe Public to attend, and that all of us passionate theatregoers were sitting up there, herded into our seats in the dark so we wouldn't spoil the live streaming of the programme, how many times were we referred to? Not once. Actually - that`s a fib. Roger Allum mentioned the audiences.... but he was the only one! Who are the people who keep theatre's and productions in business? The paying public. Spending money we can`t really afford either. They get their money from us and we also face constant financial insecurity and threats of job cuts. A little recognition, no? A "hello up there, thanks for coming!" No. The thespian community are very good at patting each other on the back. At least in Olivier -world. Mind you, given that the goddamn public, in their endless lack of taste voted We Will Rock You as best musical over the Miz, maybe you can`t blame 'em.......
Aaaaaah Michael Ball. All dimply and twinkly and lovely. And Imelda Staunton was a great co-host. Together they kept proceedings ticking over, though it would have been bloody marvellous to hear them sing something from Sweeney Todd. Can't have everything, we suppose. But they were great. The orchestra was conducted by our fave conductor David Charles Abell, who did a sterling job - the orchestration was lush. The entire setting was beautiful; we'd forgotten how gorgeous the Theatre Royal was. Certainly a great venue for an occasion such as this.
Definite highlights were the musical interludes in the show. Need we mention the absolute flabberghastingly glorious vocal by Ramin Karimloo? How can he keep on getting better and better? And being so charismatic? He's not a big man but he fills that stage. And he's sooooooo handsome you can't help but stare at him...sorry to sound so fangirlish but he is a legend already. He. Is. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G, and he brought the house down. If you don`t believe us, go to Iplayer. The cast of Sweet Charity did a great 'Big Spender' and we enjoyed seeing the cast of 'In to the Woods' - especially Michael Xavier, who has got a lovely voice. And smile. Nice. Moving on... We did enjoy a "Passion" reprise by Elena Roger, although Karina gave an audible whimper when only one microphone was set up. We were, of course, hoping for a little DT on Olivier night, but twas not to be. We did, however, get Sierra Boggess and John Owen Jones doing 'The Phantom of the Opera'! With a boat and dry ice and all the drama you could imagine. What a treat...to quote Tamsin, when we realised what was about to happen :"My God. The gift that keeps on giving..." because frankly, short of hearing David Thaxton sing, we saw bits from all our faves. Sierra, by the way, sounded gorgeous and looked lovely and is the perfect Christine. And JOJ is just lovely, bless his little head banging, Metallica-loving heart! But our musical highlight of the night? Honestly (other than the utter wonderfulness that is Ramin heartbreaker-sing-us-to-sleep-any-night-you-like Karimloo)?
BARRY MANILOW!
He is Mr Showbiz. True, he could really do with putting on weight. And he actually looks very much like Karina's ex-mother-in-law, right down to his hair do. But to watch him shimmy across the stage in his glittery jacket singing 'Copacabana' was magical. And frankly the entire auditorium was on their feet, shaking their thespian asses. Utter, wonderful cheese by the bucketful. We heart Barry with all our mushy fairy hearts. He's lovely. And then Kerry Ellis joined him for 'Look to the Rainbow'...a bit of a fairy favourite, especially for Tamsin. We liked. Unusual choice of song for a duet, him being at the Oliviers in the first place was a bit random,but awwwwwwwww! WE LOVED!!
Angela Lansbury sang' Liasons' from 'A Little Night Music' - certainly impressive. She's a beautiful, elegant lady. And her song brings us nicely to Stephen Sondheim, and his tribute. To be honest, if there had been a Sondheim drinking game, you would have had to carry us out of the theatre. Nominations, mentions, tributes, tunes...you name it. It was pretty much Sondheims night. Quite right really, his 80th birthday etc... and it was a privilege to see him. He is after all, a musical theatre LEGEND. But, we have a bit of a thing about Stephen Sondheim musicals. It's not that we don't value him or like him or think him talented, but we have yet to hear anything more than the odd song that we like. So we have set ourselves a mission; to set out and find a Sondheim musical we like and can rave about! Any suggestions on a postcard, please...
And now on to the gongs. Well. We won`t reinvent the wheel by reposting, but will steer you towards this link for all the pretty pics and results.
Who won then?
We will simply say.... Sheridan. We are sure she`s great, but it`s getting a teensy bit boring. So we will endeavour to see her in her next show so we can eat our words. And well done to David Thaxton, not a predictable win judging by the near silence in the Gods, but a deserved one. We think the Olivier should be on a shelf in the bar scene for symbolism. Just a suggestion. It was a shame 'Love Never Dies' didn't get the recognition it deserves - especially as we weren't overly impressed with the bits of 'Legally Blonde' that we heard. Yet it is the musical to beat. We really need to go and see it for ourselves so we can have an informed opinion...
And finally as they say, our favourite tweet of the night....
"Just seen David Suchet walk by looking for his seat. He`s a detective. He`ll figure it out."
Fabulous darling.
P.S. We almost went flying in to Patrick Stewart outside the theatre. Karina is still having arrythmias and wittering to all who bother listening. Patrick Stewart!
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