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REVIEW: The Drifters Girl at the Mayflower Theatre

Owen Noon

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The famous Drifters were caught ‘Under the Boardwalk’ of the Solent, as ‘The Drifters Girl’ graced Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre for the first time ever. This musical is so much more than just a juke-box musical, it’s a revolutionary musical biopic that tells a story from within the story of the Drifters. ‘The Drifters Girl’ is a compelling, gripping, and awe-inspiring NEW musical that just ticks all of the boxes. As we know, juke-box musicals get labelled as cheesy and cliché but Director, Jonathon Church, and the whole company behind the show have made it classy and intelligent. As well as being a celebration of the music, this show also concentrates on different accounts of empowerment and they do it amazingly!

Many people have probably heard of The Drifters, and if not the group themselves then they have almost definitely heard one of their many songs (even if they don’t know that they have). But how many people actually know the story of The Drifters? The answer? I’m willing to bet not many. I myself actually wasn’t aware of the story prior to the show and was pleasantly surprised by how easy the story was to follow. Usually with biopics, the director/writer will expect the audience to have a pre-existing knowledge around the subject of the show. I can confidently say that this wasn’t the case for ‘The Drifters Girl’ thanks to the fantastic story writing, acting and overall production. If you do happen to know anything about The Drifters story, you’ll know that there were a lot of them. And I mean a lot! The cast however… only 6 people! 6 people, nearly all playing a handful of different characters each. UNBELIEVABLE! We’ll touch more on this later on, but my goodness; outstanding from each and every cast member.

The Musical follows the story of The Drifters and their Manager, Faye Treadwell – The Drifters Girl. It take’s us from the highs of the hit records to the lows of legal battles and personal tragedy whilst keeping a strong tempo and pace to this epic story. 

The main thing that made this musical so fantastic for me were the vocals. For once, I actually have no words I can write. Speechless! Each cast member was sensational but when put together? Just wow. From my point of view I can find no faults. Unbelievable! To mix in to this the fact that they were singing, acting and dancing as different characters in quick succession, I mean a spin at the microphone and they were a different person, it was just incredible! As there are only 6 cast members, I can’t bring myself to put just one in the spotlight. They all stood-out as stars! Carly Mercedes Dyer who played the role of Faye Treadwell, gave me literal goosebumps on more than one occasion. All I could think as she was singing was, wow! To add to her singing performance, she was so gripping with her strong character and stage presence overall! Incredible. As for The Drifters (and multiple other characters they all played); Miles Anthony Daley (George Treadwell & Others), Ashford Campbell (Ben E. King, Buddy Lewis & Others), Matthew Dawkins (Clyde Mcphatter, Lover Patterson & Others), and Dalton Harris (Johnny Moore, Gerhart Thrasher & Others) were all equally and individually spectacular. Not just with their singing voices, but the different personas they had to put on and the energy dancing that they all kept. We also can’t forget to mention Jaydah Bell-Rickets (Girl) who on her first national tour played an integral part in helping the story progress and bringing a sense of reality between the stage and audience. It’s not often you come out of a show and get to say that each cast member stood out, instead of one or two star performers. In this musical, they were ALL star performers!  Bravo to all!

The set and lighting for the show were exactly what you’d expect when you think of a West-End show. Set designer – Anthony Ward, and Lighting Designer – Ben Cracknell, have clearly worked extremely well together to give the show that concert vibe whilst still being able to turn the set into a train station or recording studio just from the change of some lights or use of a projection. The slanted flats that you see in the picture above were an incredibly clever design aspect, as they turned a static piece of set dynamic with the shadows from the light. There were times in the show where big hanging strips of light would come down, symbolising either a bar or fluorescent tube lighting for example. This mixed with the projections of rain or a studio sign was incredibly impressive. The set was minimal but so impactful and professional. As for the music, the live orchestra makes any musical that much more real! Dustin Conrad (Musical Director), as well as the whole orchestra, were fantastic in setting the correct tone of the scene outside of the songs that were being sung and played. It was also really energising to hear different twists on the songs that we do know and love! They truly all made THIS a ‘magic moment’. 

There’s nearly always times in a musical where the story may begin to drag or you feel the tempo start to dip. I don’t think this happened once! The show kept a perfect tempo all the way to the curtain call and final medley. Without giving too much away; Act 1 saw the introduction of The Drifters and the many members that came and went along the way, as well as the introduction of Faye Treadwell ‘into’ the band as trouble hits late in the act. Act 2 then takes us through Faye’s management of The Drifters and battles she faces being a black woman holding power, leading to the courtroom finale. At the very start of the show, you see Faye being questioned by the media before the trial, and at the very end you see Faye being questioned after the trial. This almost makes it feel as if the whole show is a flashback from that very point in time and when its over makes it feel as if we’ve all been on a journey and come full circle. Another very clever piece of writing which is just brilliant!

To sum up, ‘The Drifters Girl’ is a heartwarming, fun musical that takes you on journey through the highs and lows of one of the biggest groups of their century. The story is empowering and energetic having to take on some serious story points and doing so in a funny yet serious way. I think that’s something Church has found a great balance in; a way to make it so these moments aren’t dull and depressing but also aren’t too jolly that it becomes offensive. Extremely difficult and extremely clever, fantastically pulled off! I found myself laughing, tapping my feet along to the music and just in awe at the talent that was on that stage. It’s so refreshing to see a completely new ‘British born’ musical do something new so well, instead of playing safe and following the trends of pre-existing musicals with similar story lines. 

Southampton is the first stop for ‘The Drifters Girl’ on its first ever UK tour, and if it continues to be anywhere as good as it was tonight – this musical is going to go places! I urge anyone and everyone to go and see this show. Theatre lover or not, this show is text-book classic theatre and its got Broadway written all over it. So ditch your ‘Saturday night at the movies’ and go see this instead! From the bottom of my heart I just want to give one last huge congratulations to the whole cast, crew and company for an amazing show and wish them all the best of luck as the tour continues. 

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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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