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REVIEW: Greatest Days at the Mayflower Theatre

Owen Noon

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Tonight, Southampton turned into Manchester as the Mayflower theatre housed Take That on their brand new tour! Okay not exactly, there were no surprise cameos from Gary or Robbie, but Take That’s official musical ‘Greatest Days’ performed its opening night on its tour stop in Southampton. This isn’t your standard juke-box musical, but is instead a heart-felt story following friendship and everything in-between, using Take That’s back catalogue of music to help tell the story. The show has been slightly reworked from its original form where it was called, ‘The Band’, and has even had a film (with the same new name) which was released earlier this year. I knew very little about the story line to this musical before tonight and was expecting an almost biopic love letter to Take That for their biggest fans. I however, was pleasantly surprised because what I thought would be a potentially tacky and cheesy affair, turned out to be a heartbreaking but hilarious story. 

You may be wondering, ‘How can the show be both heartbreaking and hilarious at the same time?’. The answer is simply down to the fantastic writing. Tim Firth, the original story writer, really knows how to write a story that you can connect with, empathise with, and understand whilst feeling full of laughter. Without giving too much away; The story follows a group of five boy band obsessed friends in the 90s, who drift apart but reunite over 20 years later to see their heartthrobs one last time in what could be potentially be the ‘Greatest Day’ of their lives! (I got this one in early, I’m sorry). One thing that I found very impressive was the relationship that the audience managed to build with the ‘boy-band’ through the other characters on stage. It was almost as if the boy-band were the thoughts of the actors on stage (like the imaginary friend to them) and that the audience were connecting through the thoughts of the other characters via the band. Extremely clever idea, written and directed brilliantly!

The whole cast were fantastic. They made you laugh when you needed to, made you think when you needed to, and made you feel when you needed to. The cast can basically be split into 4 separate groups; The boy-band, The young friends, The old friends, Jeff and every Dave. The boy-band not only portrayed that ‘friend figure’ like I mentioned before, but also at multiple points throughout the show, actually put on mini concerts – transporting you back to the 90s. Not only through the fantastic dancing, choreography and costume, but of course singing which was incredible! Both sets of friends, young and old, were fantastic! Their chemistry was brilliant and the way in which they portrayed their emotion across to the audience was perfect. Also the way they resembled their older/younger counterparts was terrific. I’d like to give a special shoutout to Jamie-Rose Monk, who played the role of ‘Claire’ as I was hung up on her every word. She got the most laughs out of me (and the audience at that), and you could just feel the meaning in every word she said. Amazing performance. Mary Moore, who played the role of ‘Debbie’ also deserves a shoutout. In a show where there are some quite serious points they have to hit, she did so in an upbeat classy way leaving the audience feeling positive and not upset. Another Amazing performance! It goes without saying that Jennifer Ellison, who played the role of ‘Rachel’, was the audiences main point of connection and her and her younger counterpart, Olivia Hallett, had the audiences full attention into what they were doing. Brilliant! And of course how could I forget Christopher D. Hunt (‘Jeff’) and Alan Stocks (‘Every Dave’). Although they both may not have had the biggest roles, I think that some of the impact and laughs that they created were of the biggest. That in itself says masses, so well done to everybody! 

The set and lighting for this show were so impressive. To start with the set, it was a fixed set with moveable interactive components I.e. the stairs. Those stairs became so much more however; a bus, a stage, a police station, a water fountain and many, many more. Set designer, Lucy Osbourne, clearly worked very closely with both Directors, Tim Firth and Stacey Haynes, in creating an immersive set that the characters can become a part of when moving and interacting with. Very well thought out, and very well handled by the actors. The lighting was also brilliant. There were times the lighting would’ve been bog standard and lighting the types of places mentioned above. But then in an instant they would have to turn into this huge concert light rig which was just amazing. They were big, they were extravagant, and they matched the tone of each song perfectly. One thing I would say is that the show is clearly used to being performed on a much smaller scale, so they did struggle to fill the stage a little bit, leaving a lot of blank space. However a personal favourite touch of mine was the lights within the staircase; that without giving away too much away, gave that extra ‘Shine’. (I’m not sorry for that one).

Of course the music to the show was all ‘Take That’ hits, perfectly selected at the correct moments to help portray the story. But what really helped these songs portray their message further was the fact that they were orchestrated and played by a live band. This musical actually opened up new meanings to each of the songs in the specific context that they were in, and a live band was definitely the way to go to help this. I’m always a firm believer that soundtracks for musicals are a big no no, and a live band makes it all feel so much more real. The pace of the show and storytelling was actually very good. I don’t think there was one moment that I was beginning to think things were dragging. Act 1 takes us through the 90s where the girls have been to see their adored boy-band before drifting apart. Act 2, takes us fully through the reconnection of friends and finding comfort in each other and who they’ve become in their personal journeys. 

To sum up, I thought I’d be leaving this musical and writing, “if you’re big fans of Take That, this is a can’t miss show for you” (which is still true), but I’m actually leaving thinking that if you’re a fan of musicals with a poignant touching story, then this is definitely one for you as well. I love how everybody can resonate through this story of friendship and having ‘your band’ or ‘your artist’ that you put on when you’re excited, or when you’re sad, or angry, or happy. For the characters in the musical, their band may have been singing Take That songs but they were just called ‘boy-band’. The way the story was written and performed seemed to be a call that everybody can individually perceive in their own way. It’s such a touching, uplifting musical that actually makes you feel things. All of this, plus a free Take That concert – you cant really go wrong. ‘Greatest Days’ is currently half way through its UK tour and I wish them all the success going forward, hoping they’ll be ‘Back for Good’ soon.

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Hampstead movie review

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Hampsted movie poster

With the passing of Diane Keaton I decided that I would watch some of her old work.

I chose to watch the 2017 movie Hampstead as it seemed to be quite a good representation of her acting skills. 

It is based loosely (trying not to give the plot away, however it did come out eight years ago!) on Harry Hallowes real life, he used to live on a plot in Hampstead Heath and then managed to claim rights on it. 

One of the best parts of this movie was the chemistry between Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson.

It felt natural and not strained which definitely made it more believable for me.

Their chemistry also helped make their characters seem more natural making their performance that much better. 

I’m not one who normally enjoys romantic (some may say sappy) movies but the mixture of romance and social justice themes in this movie made it not too uncomfortable.

It gives the audience a feel-good time with us feeling like we are doing something right, due to us deciding that Gleeson’s character is right.

It made me feel like I was standing up for the underdog and marginalised communities.

I found it quite clever how they made it an easy movie to watch, not too many sad themes, while also fitting in the themes of community and standing up for the right thing.

I would say that if you are feeling a bit down then this would be a very good movie too watch. 

A perfect movie for a light matinee

As a nature person, the setting of this film was spectacular.

I really liked the idea of an expanse of nature so close to a city.

It creates a very picturesque backdrop for the movie which further added to the warmthness portrayed throughout the movie.

I especially liked where Keaton’s character ended up living in the end. 

However, as always there are critics.

With this movie one of the big critiques was that the story was very predictable and followed the same formula that a lot of other romance movies used.

There was just too many cliches which made it painful for the audience to witness again and due to the lack of surprises it was not the most engaging film to watch.

This goes hand in hand with the fact that the characters where more broad and stereotypical than they should have been. 

The other big critique from this movie was that people thought it lacked tone and depth, saying that while it did touch on different societal problems such as eviction, class divide and property divide it didn’t pronounce it enough.

It felt a bit like dipping one toe into the water of the problems.

While I do agree that it didn’t delve deep into the problems society faces, I didn’t think that was what the movie was about or what the directors were trying to get across to the audience.

I believe that it was simply highlighting these issues in an easy to understand way. 

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Are Max Martin and Shellback the downfall of Taylor Swift’s latest album?

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The release of Taylor Swift’s 12th LP, The Life of a Showgirl, has been met with divided opinions. 

Although a record breaking 2.7m albums were sold on the first day of release, not all these buyers are satisfied.

It might be a push to say the majority are. Online, listeners argue this album is “millennial cringe” and that Swift is showing her “true capitalist self”. 

Alongside Swift herself, Max Martin and Shellback produced the album.

Long-time collaborators, they previously helped define 1989 and Reputation. But this marks the first time the trio have exclusively worked together.

1989 and Reputation catapulted Swift to global pop fame.

Through hits such as Blank Space, Shake it Off and Getaway Car, Martin and Shellback provided Swift a clean break from her country roots, throwing her into the deep end of mainstream pop.

However, a decade later the formula feels tired.

So why has The Life of a Showgirl fallen so flat?

Following Swift’s last album The Tortured Poets Department, a lyrically rich 31 song LP radiating heartbreak and introspection, the synthetic glitz and glamour of Showgirl feel false. 

In a post-Folklore world, where Swift proved her strength as a lyricist with the help of producer Jack Antonoff, the return to maximalism and Martin-Shellback production feels hollow. 

With the loss of Antonoff and the return of Martin and Shellback, has Swift lost the reflective heart of her songwriting? 

That’s not to say Showgirl is without merit.

Its production is faultless, and the album follows a clear and fluid theme.

But perhaps that’s the problem. In collaborating solely with Martin and Shellback, Swift may have created her most technically accomplished album but her least emotionally convincing one. 

Whether this is a misstep or the purpose of the album remains to be seen.

But the reception of The Life of a Showgirl questions the path Swift is on.

Now the world dominating Eras Tour is over, is the peak of Swift’s career over too?

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The End of Strictly Come Dancing as we know it?

Emily Byway

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We all know Strictly Come Dancing as one of the most popular prime time slots on a Saturday night.
But could this be the end of Strictly as we know it?


The BBCs show has struggled recently with allegations of bullying and inappropriate behaviour, but now Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have released a joint statement to say they are passing the sparkly button on at the end of this series.


Their Instagram statement in full:

We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream. We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time. We will have the greatest rest of this amazing series and we just want to say an enormous thank you to the BBC and to every single person who works on the show. They’re the most brilliant team and we’ll miss them every day. We will cry when we say the last “keep dancing” but we will continue to say it to each other. Just possibly in tracksuit bottoms at home while holding some pizza.
Tess & Claud

Following their joint statement they each released their own statements as a follow up.

Tess Daly’s statement in full:

After 21 unforgettable years, the time has come to say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing. It’s hard to put into words what this show has meant to me, so here goes… Strictly has been more than just a television programme. It’s felt like having a third child, a second family, and a huge part of my life since that very first show back in 2004. I knew then it was something special, but I could never have imagined the magic it would bring.

Strictly has always been about joy, celebration, and bringing people together – and I’m so proud to have played a small part in something that continues to mean so much to so many.

From that very first series, I had the great honour of standing alongside the incomparable Sit Bruce Forsyth.

Brucie set the tine for everything that Strictly became: warmth, wit, connection, and pure showbiz magic.

I have always been in awe of our superbly talented professional dancers, our magnificent judges, and all the celebrities who have taken part. I absolutely adore our brilliant crew – every single member of the Strictly team who have worked tirelessly to make this show what it is. You are the very best in the business – the kindest, most fun, most loyal, and definitely the hardest-working team in television.

Thank you for your laughter, the friendship, and the countless memories over all these years. You’ve filled my heart in ways I’ll never forget. I’ll miss you all so much.

And to you – the viewers at home – the biggest thank you of all. Thank you for welcoming us into your homes for over two decades.

Your love, loyalty, and unwavering support have meant the world. You’ve carried us through every series, and that has never, ever been taken for granted. You are the heart of this show, and I feel so lucky to have shared it with you. Being part of your weekend from September to Christmas for the past 21 years has been one of the greatest joys and privileges of my career.

To my beloved Claud – what an absolute joy and pleasure it has been sharing this adventure with you. You’re one of a kind, and I’ll treasure every giggle, every live show, and every backstage moment we’ve shared. I’m so grateful to have you as my friend for life.

This isn’t goodbye to glitter, sequins, or Saturday night sparkle (I could never say goodbye to those!). Strictly will forever hold a special place in my heart – but it does feel like the right time to hand over the reins.

With all my love and endless gratitude, Tess x


Tess Daly has been on the show since its very first episode seeing over 300 celebrities enter the ballroom and join the competition.

She started the show with Sir Bruce Forsyth, with Claudia Winkleman being a part of their presenting team hosting the sister show It Takes Two.

The duo made history in 2014 becoming the first female presenting duo of a prime time slot.
As a team they have welcomed almost 200 celebrities into the ballroom.

Over their time on the show they have also seen nine judges join and leave the show.

Claudia Winkleman’s statement reads:
It’s very difficult to put into words exactly what Strictly has meant to me. It’s been the greatest relationship of my career. From working on It Takes Two in 2004 until now it has been my everything, the show I will be eternally grateful for. I will never forget Len Goodman trying to teach me what a cucaracha is (I still don’t know) and the complete thrill and honour it was to work with Tess on the results show to cohosting on Saturday nights.

Strictly is a magical, glittery, fake tanned train and it’s been a privilege to be a tiny part of it. The extraordinary talent of the dancers, the band, the hair and makeup and costume teams, the unbelievable production crew and creatives – all utterly amazing. I’ve always believed it’s best to leave a party before you’re fully ready to go and I know the new hosts will be magnificent, I look forward to watching them take Strictly to new heights. As for Tess – I’m so so lucky I got to stand next to you. You’re funny, kind, whip smart and a true friend and I love you.


With two of the biggest jobs in the BBC now up for grabs who will we see step into the glitz and glammer of Saturday night at Strictly Come Dancing?

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