Happy Birthday Billy Elliot!

When the show first began in 2005, I don't think anyone would have thought the production would still be running ten years on, although a lot of us were dreaming of it. However, last night, a dream became a reality as the six current Billy's took the stage to perform the 10th Anniversary of the production at the Victoria Palace Theatre, London.

This amazing show has been close to my heart, as I began the audition process from June 2005 and finally went onto rehearsals at the Sloane Square Barracks as Alison Summers, one of the ballet girls in the show and one of the first and one of only two Alison Summers who have participated in the finale tap. I was elated that I was about to join a family who I would see almost everyday, as we came together to rehearse and rehearse until everything was perfect.

 I had the most marvellous memories and the experiences and opportunities I had were endless. Performing on the stage three times a week, and then my decision to go to the Sylvia Young Theatre School, where I was awarded with a scholarship to attend. Furthermore, my team were chosen to appear on the very First Birthday, something which was an achievement for us all, and for me: I got to meet Elton John!

Found this off the internet, I'm the smallest one at the end on the left!

A couple of months later, my team were asked to do publicity shoots for the Anna Pavlova gold statue. The pictures were printed in all of the London Newspapers and appeared online.

All of this was such an incredible experience. However, there was more. I then went on to film the EPK for the show, which was shared on TV and on the web. 

I am so proud of the company and all that is has achieved. I am also so grateful to them for giving me such an amazing opportunity, as I was then asked to return to the show this time as Angela Robson. I truly cannot wait to see the show nurture in the next decade in all that it brings to the West End!

It was such a shame that I could not be back at the Victoria Palace Theatre last night but I am so excited to see the photos that are and will come from it!

Kirsty 

xx

Edward Scissorhands at Sadlers Wells

On 11th January, I went along with my family to Sadlers Wells in Islington, North London, to see Matthew Bourne’s adaptation of Edward Scissorhands. We went to the afternoon performance, which was the last show of the run. Dominic North was playing Edward and there was heightened tension in the air due to last show nerves and giving it their all before the tour began in Woking two weeks later. 

On arrival, my parents both had photos with the cardboard cut out that was displayed upon the entrance and as we took photos, more people followed to take photos. We then made our way to our seats to see the holographic name of the production on the stage, projected, for everyone to see. 

My Mum and Dad

Mum and Me!

The stage before the curtain arose!

The first act was an hour, and it flew by so quickly! The most obvious thing to point out firstly is that there is no talking in the production and feelings and thoughts are all displayed through dance. We quickly learn the plot line of the show. Edward dies and many crowd round his tombstone to mourn his death. Later, we then see a workshop where an inventor creates a doll. The doll is rather different to a normal childs toy. Edward has scissors for hands. With the fantasy of lightening, he comes alive and becomes a living person. He escapes out the window, and makes his way to a traditional classic town in America.

Matthew Bourne very much epitomises the classic things expected in an area where society compete with each other. The idea of ‘keeping up with the jones’ came to mind. Matthew shows that if one family member does something, then the next door neighbour equivalent would stride to get something better. Moreover, we see the secrecy in a town where we see there is an affair going on behind the scenes of ‘happy families’.

We go on a journey with Edward as we learn through his solo dance before the end of act one, that he is in love with Kim, a teenager of the family who takes in Edward. They try to fit him into society as normally as they can, aware that he has scissors for hands. They take advantage of this and he cuts hedges majestically to create animals out of grass, only to envy the surrounding neighbours. 

Throughout the show, I never once see a dancer falter and they appear strong equally with strong technique. We learn that Edward is only trying to fit into society. Out of all the shows Matthew has directed over the past few years, I believe Edward Scissorhands is by far my favourite.

The cast list of the day I saw the show.

After the show had ended, my sisters, parents and I went to Whitechapel for dinner. We had Nandos, whilst I celebrated my last evening with them for a while. It was a lovely day, in which I very much enjoyed myself.

My dad decided instantly what he would have.

Did you go to see anything over the Christmas or New Year period?

Kirsty

xxx