Mojo Dollar

If you love sixties music, this band is for you in fact even if you don't like sixties music, this talented bunch of musicians will convert you because they were absolutely brilliant. I went to see them play at the Old House at Home in Locksway road, Portsmouth on Saturday night and was blown away.

This five piece band played Mod, Beat, Blues,Motown and party stuff. They revive the sounds of the all time greats like the Who, The Stones, The Beatles and many more.

At the back of the pub if you're small like I am you couldn't see them but small people can inch their way to the front easily as I did. However, the music alone got people of all ages bopping around.

The drummer was completely insane and quite mesmerizing to watch.

The band has already got an enormous following of all ages. It's amazing how passionately they play the music of fifty years ago and make it sound totally trendy.

A great night out.

The Theory of Everything.

Written by Jane Hawking directed by James Marsh. It opens in 1963 at Cambridge university.

The story of Professor Steven Hawking who was authentically portrayed by Eddie Redmayne. It doesn't matter if you are not interested in science as there were hardly any equations at all in the film. It's a story of love, perseverance and the gift of life. It explores commitment and loyalty within the binds of a tragedy. A brilliant mind determined to explore and share his theory of time against all odds.

Eddie Redmayne was absolutely brilliant, so much so  that I could almost believe he actually was Steven Hawking. His sparkly eyes and smile shone through behind the progressively dying body.

Jane (Felicity Jones) cared for him and their three children on her own for many years but cracks began to show as time went on. She joined a choir and became friendly with a man named Jonathan who becomes very close to the family offering help and support.

There were bursts of nostalgia in the background of this film with genuine representations of the era such as furnishings, costumes or cars. For me there were moments of “I remember those” or “My aunt had that T-Set” throughout the production.

Mostly though, it was very emotional. This atheist physicist married to a church going girl who never gave god any leeway some how surpassed this illness miraculously.

A dramatic, thought provoking, tear jerker and best film so far this year.

Elf The musical

Last year I saw this in Dublin and this Christmas it will be at the Dominion Theatre in London well worth seeing.

December can be a stressful time of year for some and this show will make you sit back and forget who you are for a couple of hours. I thoroughly recommend it.

Broadway musical based on the film of the same name, it's the story of Buddy the Elf and it makes me want to burst into song as I write. The film is up there with all the classic Christmas movies and I watch it every year, so it makes complete sense that it should be made into a musical. This fabulous comedy production was put together by Morgan young (Director and Choreographer) and Michael Rose (Producer) at Plymouth's Theatre Royal and The Bord Gais Energy Theatre in Dublin up until January 10^th 2015. 

It opens with Santa,( Mark McKerracher) narrating the story.Buddy was human but raised in The North Pole by the elves at Santa's work shop. Innocent and full of Christmas cheer, Buddy goes to New York City in search of his real father who just so happens to be on Santa's naughty list. He is misunderstood in this cruel city which lacks Christmas spirit. It's a very funny tale for all ages. Although it's essentially a Festive show, it had all the lustre of a long running west end production.

The Bord Gais Energy Theatre is an astounding work of modern art. I felt as though I had set foot in the future. It has given Dublin's Docklands a reason to celebrate as people flock to see shows in a once business only zone. Restaurants and bars now bustle with people. With comfy seating and plenty of leg room it was the ideal place to show Elf.

bordgaisenergytheatre

The set design and special effects were awe inspiring and the changes were slick. These included the North Pole, Santa's workshop, interior and exterior of the Empire State Building, Macy's and so much more. Costumes were lavish and colourful.

Graham Lappin (Stressed Store manager)

 The make up artists and wig department worked wonders transforming the characters, in particular the manager of Macy's toy department, Graham Lappin. With superb choreography and even ice skating, it was magical to watch. The whole production moved seamlessly from scene to scene.

The music and songs were really catchy I'm still humming them to myself now. The cast and ensemble were dynamic. This was after all, the last show of the season. Multi talented Ben Forster played Buddy with such exuberance it was contagious.

Ben Forster with Santa Mark McKerracher.

 Stunning Aoibhinn McGinty played Jovie  (The girl he falls in love with.)

Aoibhinn Mc Ginty

 Joe McGann played Walter Hobbs the workaholic father teamed up with Jessica Martin as his wife Emily bringing a wealth of experience to the production.. 

Joe McGann 

Jessica Martin

Several young boys played the part of Michael Hobbs, Buddy's little brother. The boy I saw was extremely talented at only ten years old he had a beautiful singing voice.

Michael and Buddy

There was some magical moments especially at the end of the show which I can't give away as the success of this tour means it should be going to the West End next Christmas. Ok Santa needed a stunt double (Paul Hutton) and that's all I'm going to say.

I overheard some people in the foyer saying that they would go to this show at any time of the year and I agree. I'll be booking my tickets for next year as soon as they are available.

You can't see in this photo but they have ice skates on.