Tuesday 24 November 2015

WONDER.LAND: NATIONAL THEATRE (OLIVIER)- 24.11.15



The saying 'curiosity killed the cat' could have many meanings when it comes to the famous tale of 'Alice in Wonderland.' If i'm being honest, my curiosity for the production had waned a little since booking tickets back in July.

This was by no means because I didn't think it would be any good...it's been on my 'SHOWS COMING UP' list since I started the blog! If I were to self diagnose my lack of awe and wonder at this stage, i'm prescribing a case of 'all Alice'd out.' Having put on two 'Alice' productions in my previous Drama teaching career, you get a little 'squeezed' of all creative thought avenues with this story.

Thankfully, a long enough gap had passed between my 'Alice' shenanigans, and there have been so many non-Alice events that this had enough exciting elements to prick my ears up again.




After chewing the fat about our semi-crap past few weeks, my buddy and I arrived tired but caffeinated to a lobby full of technological interactions! This snapped me right out of my commuter frenzied state and hooked me into the present moment. The ideal mind-set was emerging as I waltzed around creating an avatar on an i-pad, taking Cheshire Cat selfie's and making music 'a la BIG' on a plasma screen. My friend and I were in the perfect playful mood and we grew curiouser and 
curiouser.







Why should you go and see this?

The play isn't a re-telling of 'Alice', but uses Alice as a stimulus to layer another story on top. We meet Aly, who is a young mixed-race girl, and is finding it hard to deal with being a teenager that isn't comfortable with who she is.


Aside from her 'Kevin and Perry' approach to her views on her Mum ('Your Mum' by the way is one of the simplest yet catchiest songs of the production and will be playing over in my head tonight guaranteed) Aly's endearing yet irresponsible 'Russell Brand-alike' father lives apart from her. She's also being bullied about her weight and how she looks by three charming teenage girls at school.




Cue the disaffected teenager who seeks life online storyline. Except, this wasn't the package we were delivered. Aly who sets up an account on gaming site 'Wonder.land' makes an Avatar so different to herself, that it takes up the form of familiar blonde, petite Alice. She decides to explore the online world through her avatar and in doing so, takes a journey that lots of us may have experienced growing up; a joy-ride in trying to work out who we are.

Alice goes from self-loathing, to different emotional states throughout the story, and we get to see flickering moments between 'online' and 'real-life'. The use of projections was excellent and the graphics were ingenious (as the National Theatre always are when it comes to this kind of stuff!)

The play didn't just highlight the 'escapism' and artificial side of having an online presence, but it also examined how it could be an amazing and creative outlet. It didn't just have a 'bash' at youngsters either which I felt was more representative of daily life. I spend as much time on my phone now as the average teen, not because I'm a disaffected person, but because I'm doing more work in the media industry and have to plug away at my social media and constantly apply for things!

Costumes were impressive yet unpredictable, with one of the most amusing costumes being the oversized Mouse who also gets the award for funniest lines in the play:

'Hiding underneath this fat mouse face is 100% DENCH!'

Best bits for me were:



  • The initial appearance of the floating 'Alice Avatar' and the use of the gauze and projections to create the illusion that she was in a virtual world 
  • The White Rabbit who reminded me of Donnie Darko
  • The Caterpillar and his 'body parts'
  • The Zombie attack scene which was choreographed so well and the use of graphics and animation here too
  • The Teacher was a very strong character and most popular with the audience. An example of excellent casting 
  • The 'tube' being created out of trolleys and a moving slow vehicle-I never get tired of a theatrical 'tube' representation I must say!


I also thoroughly enjoyed the score and could feel the blurry touches of Damon Albarn all over the place. There was a funky yet indie feel to the music, but musical conventions were not neglected and at times, even the 'slowies' which normally send me to sleep had some wonderful harmonies.

There were highs and minimal weak spots. I liked the 'father' character, but felt his scenes held less strength in them. This could be due to the 'believe-ability' factor, although it wasn't entirely lost on me.

I was impressed and left smiling 'Cheshire Cat style' after this, and it had everything a modern National Theatre production should have. Go along and expect to be delighted!









Sunday 25 October 2015

INTO THE HOODS REMIXED- PEACOCK THEATRE: 24.10.15



I'd have to agree with Emma Thompson on this one...yes THE Emma Thompson who said that 'they (ZooNation) are one of my favourite things about this city'. 

This show pretty much encompassed everything I love, not only about London, but also my teenage years, my fondness for dance and generally everything that I think is important. 

I have decided that this post will take the form of a list, otherwise I am in danger of dramatically hero-worshipping for the whole post and I've already done that before.

Please see below for a list of things that this production included that were important to me, and will hopefully resonate with you when you go and see it (oh you must!):




1. A well chosen selection of hip-hop music, edited neatly, including big favourites of mine such as (oh wow I'm having to put a sub-section in the sub-section here):

a) Outkast-Ghettomusick
b) Teardrop-Massive Attack
c) Heard em' Say- Kanye West ft Adam Levine
d) Witness the Fitness- Roots Manuva
e) Overnight Celebrity- Twista

AND MORE (or I'll be here all night)

2. Thoughtful, fast-paced, slick choreography that showcased the dancers skills, the neat editing of the music, and just generally they were (to quote the great Ashley Banjo) ON POINT!

3. A witty narrative- just when you think it will get predictable (which is part of the charm of a fairytale right?) The story 'nips it in the bud' before your brain has to, so you get a feeling of being in-tune with the show. Clever or what!

4. That lighting tho'! ZooNation always get me with this one. Well done Jenny Kershaw (lighting programmer) for those colourful spots and areas that get lit up when the rest of the cast are in darkness...I liked it...I liked it a lot.

5. Animation- A huge 'big-up' here to the animation team. A stand out section had to be in Scene 3 when we were touring 'Beanstalk Towers' and being led up and down the building. That gave me a definite idea of overall style and looked effective. It reminded me a little of the animation used in 'The Animals and Children took to the Streets' by 1927 who are renowned for their stunning animation. However it still had it's own identity, and my personal favourite sections were Spindarella's character entering the ball, and simple moments like the spinning Vinyl's and Jaxx's timer appearing on the wall. It all added huge effect.

6. High levels of creativity- There aren't many shows that can execute what ZooNation manage to achieve here. Firstly the 'spin' on the characters themselves is clever and hilarious. 'Rap-on-Zel' particularly got a huge laugh at the announcement of her name. Jaxx (who get's a little rendition of a Basement Jaxx song every time he appears) as a take on Jack at the basement of 'beanstalk towers'. 'Big Teef' records in which Wolf is the Boss. 

This is why I feel so strongly that we should take our kids to see this. In schools that are working creatively, this way of thinking and adapting will very much compliment their sense of invention and adaptation for their story-writing. We know and teach 'Magpie-ing' so that children know they can take ideas and add it to their nest of creativity. Adapting is something they are very familiar with and can use more and more to improve their work. The creativity in this show is inspiring and ingenious and it left a mark with many in the audience of varying ages. 

Stand-out performances were given by Natasha Gooden who played Lil' Red. I was blown away when I saw her at the Freestyle Funk Forum earlier this year (see the post about it here) because her musicality and strength are off the scale. She hits every movement and beat so sharply that it's like watching a solo optical illusion! Corey Culverwell who I recognised from previous shows and of course from BoyBand on Britain's Got Talent this year also deserves a mention for very similar reasons. He has mastered his craft well and it shows. 

I hope my list gives you an idea of how nuts I am about this kind of theatre, but also the reasons why. If you want something that will make you proud of our city, that will entertain you, that will challenge your children and make you laugh , and that will remind you that dancers aren't there to perform behind someone on a festival stage, but are there because they truly deserve it...get down to see this, before it sells out!

Tickets can be booked by following this link:

Into the Hoods: 23.10.15-14.11.15

@zoonation

@jendubble




Friday 23 October 2015

INTO THE HOODS-REMIXED: IT'S BACK! 23.10.15-14.11.15 PEACOCK THEATRE

IT'S THE HIP-HOP STORYTELLING EVENT OF THE YEAR!



This is NOT a show to be missed.

The twisted Hip-hop fairytale which originally hit London's West End in 2008 has been refreshed, revamped, re-jigged, re-buffed, re-whateveryouwannacall it! It's been given a makeover and brought right up to date. 

It's set to have the humour, wit and pace of the first show under the direction of Sadler's Wells associate Kate Prince who is, quite frankly, a NARRATIVE WIZARD if you ask me. 

What's more, if you're not based in London, it doesn't have to matter this time, because it's going on a national TOUR.

YES!

This is a big deal for ZooNation as the Peacock Theatre is usually the only spot to catch them doing their thang when they work on a large scale.

Tour Information:

London, Peacock Theatre

Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton Grand 

Blackpool, The Grand Theatre

Dartford, The Orchard Theatre 

Leicester, Curve

Truro, Hall for Cornwall

Sheffield, The Lyceum

Brighton, Brighton Dome

Southampton, Mayflower Theatre 

Canterbury, Marlowe Theatre

Manchester, Manchester HOME 

Show outline

Set in the ‘Ruff Endz Estate’, the story follows two lost school children who have been tasked to find an iPhone as white as milk, trainers as pure as gold, a hoodie as red as blood and some weave as yellow as corn. Along the way, they meet DJ Spinderella, wannabe singer Lil Red, vivacious rapper Rap On Zel, budding music producer Jaxx and embark upon a storybook adventure into the heart of a pulsating community!

If there are any Teachers out there looking for some twisted Fairytale inspiration for your classes (I know it pops up in the curriculum a lot!) this show would be IDEAL. 

Sure we can all take our kids to the pantomime, and sure pantomimes have their place in the theatre world (a very important place as well) but trust me, take your kids to be inspired by a show like 'Into the Hoods-Remixed' and they will thank you for the cool choreography, the massive music, and for being on their level. 

Children's story writing and creativity in the classroom is on a higher level than ever before, and finally there is a production to match the imagination we require from our kids. 

To find out more and to book tickets, click on the link below:

Tickets for: Into the Hoods- Remixed 2015 Tour





Tuesday 15 September 2015

PREVIEW: Interview with BOTIS SEVA: In No Form 24.09.15-25.09.15






I got myself down to the Lilian Baylis studio yesterday to speak to Botis Seva, another man in Hip-Hop theatre who is trying to make a change.

It was a pleasure to meet him and have a chat about his company Far From the Norm and what is to be expected in his upcoming Wild Card performance at the Lilian Baylis studio next week.

It looks like we can expect the unexpected and to get prepared to actively participate.

It's Urban Immersive Theatre season for me- I'm liking it! 

Seriously looking forward to seeing this one, and if you haven't got your ticket, check back for returns, because he's so good, he's SOLD OUT!





THE DEN: Hackney Wick-Swan Wharf:12.09.15









I don't really know where to start with this post. I'm still so overwhelmingly stuffed full of flashbacks, reflections, sights and smells, that I'm struggling to assimilate a neat little packaged blog post that will do this production justice. As always...I will try my best.

After my visit to see the set the weekend before opening, I had an idea of what was to come, but I wasn't prepared for the bravery and guts that came with the experience we had that evening.



Pre-show props


Equipped with two of my very good friends in the audience, we waited outside the warehouse before the start, and were soon met with some 'youfs' shall we say; confident, cocky and dishing out papers as a pre-show present for us all in the queue. Each paper had something different written on it; 'Keeper', 'Breeder', 'Fighter' or 'Undecided' at the top, and the DEN rules underneath. So we knew there was going to be some participating, some splitting up maybe? Reminiscent of 'Punchdrunk' I thought I would get ready to listen a little harder, as I know that you get out what you put in with this kind of show.

After being ushered into a dark waiting area, a sharp spoken word opening by Rizza (Sam Rix) set the tone for where we were about to enter, a playground perhaps? What kind of playground would be worth seeing? The suspense was reeling in the air.

The curtain was raised and a large cast scattered in a dream like tableau throughout the immaculate cotch that Rufio and the Lost Boys could have only dreamed of building in 1991's Hook movie. A caravan, wooden huts, a cage, scaffolding even a chill out area (which we were later familiarised with on our guided tour). An endless childhood dream-den; earthy, dusty and 'beach estate' chic is what we were going to spend the next three hours in.

After an introduction to various key characters in the Den, a Fast and Furious car entry and a heroic leap from a first floor, we got the idea. These kids were tough, and clever, and they had made a life for themselves outside of zone one, in the year 2101 where childhood is banned outside of central London, and if you survive in zone one, you live a life that is so restricted, that you may as well not live at all. It is a place where youth is welcomed, adults are a no-no and when you reach your 18th Birthday, you must passover. Be gone. Commit to death.

That brings us to the current state of the Den. After being given a chance to walk around freely we were ushered into a cage, as Den members told us to 'zip, Freshie, zip' (Den language for 'move new kid move'). A brilliantly choreographed battle took place as we looked on from the cage, and the 'fighters' showed us what they were made of. I took note of characters 'Brutus'(Giles Maythan) and 'George' (Elinor Machen-Fortune) as their tough guy and girl characters stood out. 



George, Abrun and the audience in the courtyard


In a world where we are being surprised and shocked less and less, moments arose where surprise was in fact the key element. A girl whom we thought was a 'freshie member' with us, was directly addressed to come forward. We learned that she (Liz-Beth played by Elizabeth Mary Williams) was desperate to escape the miserable existence of the 'real world' and was eager to join this community where she could be a mother and breed with her partner. Upon being sniffed out as a fraud by George, she reveals that after deceiving Den Master Abrun (Lewis Griffin) that she was 15, she was in fact 18. You can only guess what happened to her, and it was a gunshot that was used on this occasion. We learned then that the Den was BRUTAL.

After being split into our various groups, different characters toured us around the courtyard and the warehouse,  explaining their role in the community and the important part they all played in making it work. The set was like a fantasy squat. It was scruffy and almost unliveable for some, but so cleverly recycled that it was satisfying. As a 'keeper' I was shown around by 'Ash' (Emily Owens) who revealed the DM room that nobody goes into, and the breeding room where 'you know what' happens. It was planned to such detail, that even a film set couldn't have topped the intricacies that went into this convincing backdrop. 

After hearing the hustle and bustle of the other groups being toured around, we were all brought together into the celebration area, given apples and treated to an explosive tribal dance (hats off to Cindy-I wanted to join in) before settling in to experience the final dues to Abrun, who had clearly become a much coveted leader and was reaching his 18th Birthday. By this point, we had all warmed to Abrun, and he had the right amount of endearing-ness for me to shed real tears at the thought of him stepping down and committing to death. THAT is how involved we all were at this stage.

After an interval, we returned to the celebration of Abrun's reign, and a series of 'best-man' style speeches were given in an ode to him and his leadership. A touching song led by Ash and the cast created an emotive soundscape making it all the more upsetting. This was added to by an interpretive movement piece from character 'Hermese' (Gracie-Jayne Angel) and a tribute from Abrun's love George.

All the arrows were pointing to Abrun choosing his half brother Chase (Bruce Langley) to take over the Den as leader. In an indecisive moment, Chase showed that maybe he didn't have what a leader needs, and as the audience were split again, we were left in a  room with Abrun, who tells us of his desire to remain a leader for a little while longer. This is much to the dismay of his pack who are starting to go loopy at the possibility of who will be chosen next, each one of them thinking they may be a better suitor, each one of them losing the plot in their teenage angst.

The surprise entrance of a pregnant lady (A Norwan played by Emmeline Prior) presented a huge moral dilemma, and provided the route of the story with a winding path and a much needed adult perspective to shed light on the chaos that was starting to prevail.

I don't want to go into too much detail as to how this piece ended. I have a deep hope that it will run again and I wouldn't want to write out everything in case it took away from a future experience that I hope more people can have (although I would love to as I have so much to say!)

This is by far one of the best pieces of immersive theatre I have been a part of. What a talented woman Gbemisola is to think up a production that poses so many questions about our youth, and the future that lies ahead, but also to give this age group a voice through such an engaging platform. It posed so many questions, some rhetorical, some that urgently needed answering, but this plot was certainly challenging.

There was no pretentiousness, no £50 tickets, no 'untouchable abstractness' and no moment that wasn't worth lapping up.

This was a piece that everyone could grasp, and the environment created by the set designers was so real. When talking to people afterwards, comparisons were being made to the 'The Beach', 'Lord of the Flies', 'Animal Farm', and even 'Kidulthood' sprang to mind.

A huge well done to Cindy Claes for directing the movement and choreography which had a gritty afro-tribal feel, and Brian Appiah Obeng, the Parkour master for their input to the show. I could see how their contribution had made the piece so up to date and extra dynamic. 

A final mention to the UNBELIEVABLE cast. You were all so inspiring, believable and memorable. I bet you will all remember what a great experience it must have been to be a part of this, and it was mentioned more than once by some of you that it was down to Gbemisola Ikumelo's inclusive and empowering direction style that gave everyone what they needed to perform the way they did. 



Emily Rose Owens who played Ash


I've never been so certain, that this needs to run again. No. this WILL run again.

When it does, you should run with it. Don't be afraid to visit...THE DEN.

To find out more about Faith Drama and their projects go to:

http://www.faithdrama.org.uk






Sunday 6 September 2015

PREVIEW for a MUST SEE performance: THE DEN 10.09.15-12.09.15




Gbemisola Ikumelo creator of Faith Drama productions is  collaborating with a large talented team of people to create an incredible immersive theatre performance from Thursday 10th September- Saturday 12th September 2015 in an all encompassing warehouse setting in Hackney Wick. 


Gbemisola is the writer and director of the show and talks us through how it got to this point and what the show is about. 

After sitting in on a rehearsal, I felt totally drawn into the drama and conflict that was unfolding before me,  and Gbemisola's directing style was engaging and sharp. The actors I chatted with discussed how useful and progressive it was working with her as a director, and I could see how she knew exactly what she wanted from the actors and how this would lead to a hard-hitting well considered performance. 


It was a pleasure to talk to Cindy Claes who, as you know, has already featured in an exclusive interview on the blog (read her interview here.) She's not only an incredible dancer, but a movement director who is contributing her expertise to this show. 


A little teaser of the show....




90 years after the London riots the governments laws


controlling childbirth has seen many children flee.
The Den becomes the only place of solace left but in a world where
"adulthood breeds corruption"


What happens on your 18th birthday?



 It's a must see! I've seen the set and its overwhelmingly well thought out...and what's more...there's even parkour to add to the mix. Get your tickets now! You can book by clicking the link below:


http://stratfordeast.com/whats-on/all-shows/the-den













Thursday 13 August 2015

UTOPIA LIVE LATES- Roundhouse: 12.08.15


Arlene Philips


The last time I stepped foot into the Roundhouse was for a January performance of 'Fuerzabruta' which took me from sub-zero temperatures to beautiful Braziliana over a dreamy evening of wide entertainment. Roundhouse are known for making their events feel exclusive and bespoke, and I was expecting to be captured after hearing the title of the performance.

Initially drawn to the night because of the dance names involved (Arlene Philips, Tommy Franzen and ZooNation) I have to admit that the installation was a second thought. However, the wonderful thing about 'mash-ups' is that the people behind it don't just mix together different forms and genres, but they bring you into the blender and combine your tastes with something new, expanding your horizons and world view at the same time.

Utopia was an idea conceived in collaboration with artist Penny Woolcock, who's work focuses on telling stories, the grittier, real stories that surround us and make our world what it truly is. It became immediately apparant that the installation was a red siren raising awareness about our obsession with material objects, celebrity and wealth. It's just what I needed, as I had spent the last few days browsing for new threads, trainers and Brazilian blow-dry's, I appreciated a gentle slap in the face to put me back on a humbler path and not get too tied up in the curation of my outer self.



Walk-through areas had been set up with tables of paraphernalia that created a message or image of someone with a history you wanted to hear more about. Upon touring through the masses of boxes which displayed branded labels such as 'wealth, 'happiness', 'spirituality', 'popularity' and 'exclusivity' narratives were being activated and voices told stories of how they had been affected by money, job issues and class difference. The irony was too much to ignore upon walking around and hearing some girls discussing which boxes they want in their flat; 'These boxes look nice y'know, I would want, wealth, happiness and spirituality, what about you?'  

Walk-through Installation


Walk through Installation


I was deeply drawn in to a narrative from a boy who attended a local Camden school, and talked about his observations of middle and working class people. How could he achieve the same standard of homework in a one bedroom flat with his mum and baby brother that another pupil could achieve in a house with three bedrooms and a study? What about the tutors that his friends had for their GCSE's? The cross section of classes mixing together in London schools can be wide, and yet we wonder why people who come from homes with certain privileges are the ones who are doing well.



Arlene gave an inspirational and down to earth speech, talking of her days growing up with limited money and resources and her compassion for those who live in poverty today. She talked passionately about the 'blame culture' that has been adopted so freely and her own Father's difficulties meaning he struggled to work. She quite rightly pointed out that he would have been given a more derogatory label in 2015 than he did all those years ago. 

As the night drew into the performances, we were treated to money themed dances by Tommy Franzen, who was joined by ZooNation Youth Company and Street Circus Collective. A sweet and heartwarming segment was added to the evening by the lovely ballroom and Charleston dancers, who proved that when it comes to dance, age ain't nothing but a number. Franzen leant his quirky locking and popping that was reminiscent of his Charlie Chaplin performance in 'Smile' earlier this year, whilst the younger dance members supported and packed a punch in their street sections. 





Toby Campion (Poetry Slam runner up 2015) gave us two spoken word pieces, the second one humorously written about struggles and being at the Job centre and Caleb Oluwafemi (Poetry Slam winner 2015) told us a story about his Grandfather and his philosophies on money.

Toby Campion



Caleb Oluwafemi

At the end of the evening we got an insight into the world of extreme fame through a Q&A session with a professional George Clooney lookalike! I'm not sure this was a strongest way to end the evening but it did tie in with the flow of thoughts that were already shaping up over the night.



Block9 have done an incredible job on the installation giant that stood at the back of the theatre. It provided a Hollywood-esque backdrop to the night and had that unique element that Roundhouse always does so well. I was lucky enough to be involved in a project for the Olympics in which they created an enormous 'Tree of Light' that was powered a lit up by cyclists inside the construction. It had a similar gigantic feel and I felt privileged to be in front of their work again. 



Utopia will run until Sunday 23rd August 2015 with a varied programme of events on different nights. You can find out more and book by clicking the link below.






Friday 24 July 2015

Jonzi-D Edinburgh show 5.08.15-31.08.15: The Box 6.15pm


 The Letter: To Be Or To MBE
Assembly, George Square, The Box




Jonzi D, the UK’s best known exponent of Hip Hop theatre, presents his acclaimed solo show The Letter. This true and topical tale of one man’s dilemma regarding a proposed MBE honour is told via Jonzi’s sharp and often hilarious portrayal of his friends, colleagues and family. 
Showcasing his signature verbal and physical skills, Jonzi D utilises movement, political observation and humour to explore the concept and prospect of this unexpected accolade. As an authentic East Londoner of Afro-Caribbean descent, his own feelings are as diverse as the various characters he brings to the stage. 

The MBE letter requires a response and just to complicate matters, everyone has an opinion. From the impressionable, husband-seeking house guest to the East London rhyme-spitting weed dealer, Jonzi is confronted by opposing views and gut reactions. His childhood neighbour thinks one thing, a militant friend uncomfortable with an Empire-related honour another. Should Jonzi be swayed and what does an MBE represent anyway? What will his esteemed supporters in the arts think if he rejects it? More to the point, what will his family say? Whilst his eldest sister might not reside in Buckingham Palace she does after all, reign supreme within Jonzi’s family. 
Colourful & warm yet outspoken and at times subversive, The Letter paints a highly personal picture of the ultimate predicament: To be or to MBE? 

Jonzi D is a renowned MC, performer, choreographer and director. He’s been actively involved in British Hip Hop culture and performance since the 1980s and is artistic director of Breakin’ Convention, Sadler’s Wells’s international festival of Hip Hop dance. Breakin’ Convention has been a runaway success since starting in 2004, travelling as far afield as Harlem’s legendary Apollo Theatre. Jonzi’s own devised work includes Aeroplane Man, Tag and Markus The Sadist. The Letter successfully toured the UK in 2013-14. 

As an MC and poet, Jonzi has worked with The Roots, Steve Williamson and Lenny Henry and toured with Gangstarr. He has appeared on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, Channel 4’s Faking It and his pieces Silence da Bitchin’ and Aeroplane Man have been screened by Channel 4. Recently Jonzi presented his inaugural Ted Talk: Recognition Without Permission. Jonzi D is a Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist

“This is a great piece of theatre about the struggle of keeping it real. There is nothing like it. Check it. Jonzi is brilliant. I hate him”. Benjamin Zephaniah 
“The name Jonzi D shouts respect in circles of hip hop dance theatreThe Independent 
“Treads a fine and funny balance between personal and political' The Guardian on The Letter 



Venue: Assembly George Square Theatre, Box, EH8 9JZ 
Time: 18.10 Running Time: 50 minutes 
Dates: 5 – 31 August. No shows August 12 and 24 
Tickets: August £6 (August 5,6,7) £10 Mondays £12 All other dates. 2 for one tickets available on August 10, 11. 
Bookings: assemblyfestival.com, 0131 623 3030 or Assembly box offices at Assembly Hall and Assembly Roxy, Assembly George Square and Assembly Checkpoint 

Post provided by Anna Goodman from Abstrakt Publicity.

Sunday 12 July 2015

Boy Blue Ent: Freestyle Live @ Rich Mix- 11.07.15



And so to Rich Mix again! Yesterday evening it was Boy Blue Entertainment's turn to host the 'Whose Line is it Anyway' style show in the Main Space. Home Bros provided laughs and quirks for us in the audience (African accents and banter included) whilst the dancers sat either side of the DJ on sofas ready to step up for each round. Now although this was supposed to be the under 18's edition, the dancers ranged from 14 to well over 18. Each team had to send up a member of their three-strong group to compete in games which included:



  • Mallet's Mallet
  • Charades
  • Speed cup stacking
  • Dance battles to cartoon theme tunes
  • Improvised dance on a theme from the audience
  • Rap battles using audience contributions
  • Dance knowledge Quiz

There were guest performances from the spoken word and dance world, including a brilliant rap rendition from Tyrus McKenzie who I reviewed as a promising dance talent back in February at the the Future Elements night at Sadler's Wells.

Overall, a swell night was had by all! My tummy hurt from laughing on the night, and Home Bros were an excellent choice of hosts for the evening. However in agreement with the hosts, I would consider dropping the 'Yo Mamma' Jokes' round, it didn't quite work and lost a bit of momentum during the evening.

In true Jendubbz style I took an opportunity to chat to some of the dancers in an attempt to keep spreading the word about young dancers and their commitments in the dance/theatre world. Also in true Jendubbz style the sound quality ain't that great, so do bear with! 

Note to self: Take them outside next time! Hip-hop events = LOUD MUSIC EVERYWHERE!




Tuesday 30 June 2015

Boy Blue Entertainment present-Freestyle Live: Rich Mix 11.07.15

Freestyle Live: Rich Mix




See lead players in the hip-hop dance world ‘Boy Blue Entertainment’ host a ‘Who’s Line is it Anyway’ style show at Shoreditch’s favourite arts venue. Watch the performers use their dance skills to answer each other back in a dance battle format! This vibrant participatory event, will give you ‘charades with a twist’ and hosts Home Bros will hype the audience and dancers in what will be a comical marriage of hip-hop, dance and theatre. Only one performer will be crowned the FREESTYLE LIVE Champion.
Saturday 11th July
8pm
Main Space £7, £5 concessions