Robert Jones - Official Reviewer
(2 Reviews)
Robert Jones
(2 Reviews)
Neighbours - The Celebration Tour
Neighbours - The Celebration Tour - The Bridgewater Hall - Friday 3rd March 2023
NEIGHBOURS THE CELEBRATION TOUR REWARDS THE FANS WITH THE PERFECT BLEND OF LAUGHTER, TEARS AND A NIGHT YOU'LL NEVER FORGET!
Everyone in the UK knows the Aussie TV series, Neighbours, whether it’s remembering running back from school to join the other 20 million viewers glued to the small screen as Charlene said, “I do” to Scott, or if like me, you’re a proper die-hard who has never missed an episode. It’s true, I’ve watched every single one, all 8903 of them. If you think that’s sad, then I suggest you stop reading and “rack off” as this review isn’t for you!
My love for Neighbours started from the beginning when it first aired in the UK in October 1986, when I was an 9 year old boy, who like many, fell in love with the bright skies of Oz and welcomed Granny Helen and co into our family homes. They became our daily fix. We craved the 23 minutes of sheer joy and escapism from the grim Manchester weather and anything to avoid doing our school homework.
Fast forward to 2023, that 9 year old boy is now a 45 year old family man, and the passion for Erinsborough (and by the way, if you didn’t know already, is an anagram of Neighbours) has never died. It’s not just a TV show for me, it is so much more. It gave me the thirst to travel and obviously the ultimate goal was to get to Australia. In 2003, my dream came true and I did the whole year away backpacking, living in Sydney for six months, and touring the whole country for the last half of the year. Of course, I had to visit to Ramsay Street. I’m certainly not a religious man like Harold Bishop, but the day I stood in the middle of that cul-de-sac on Pin Oak Court, I nearly cried. I had arrived at my Mecca, my holy ground, in fact, spread my ashes already across Mrs Mangel’s lawn, I had finally made it!
I filled my boots and went on the Neighbours tour, a couple of Neighbours nights where I mingled with some of the cast, and even bumped into some previous characters on my travels - Todd Landers was my tour guide as I climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Rick Alessi was the door man in a bar in Alice Springs, I was shocked to discover. I've never been so pleased to meet a bouncer (sadly I never got the chance to meet the canine one!)
10 years later in 2013, I did it all again returning to Australia with my Polish girlfriend (now my wife and now also a Neighbours nut), back to Ramsay Street, tour, etc. My happy place!
So when I heard Neighbours would be touring and coming to my home city, I was more excited than Karl and Susan opening up their blue box. It would cushion the blow a little of the devastating news that Neighbours was actually ending after 38 years. It was like losing a loved one hearing that my favourite show was coming to an end. The shockwaves throughout the fans was genuine. Cast members felt our pain and we grieved as one. However, like all good soaps, there’s been the ultimate dramatic twist, as just over 100 days of mourning, we discovered the news that Neighbours had been rescued by Amazon and it was just a bad dream after all (sadly not the good type like Bouncer had).
So tonight was the night, myself and my wife, would be reunited with Dr Karl. We met Alan Fletcher in Melbourne a decade ago, and he has filmed many video messages we’ve treasured like the announcement of our first born. Fletch is one fantastic guy (even if he does supports Liverpool). The Meet and Greet before the show would also allow me to be reunited with one of my favourite characters, Toadie who I last met 20 years ago in St Kilda during a very rowdy Neighbours night! I have to admit though, getting to meet Paul Robinson, would mean my bucket list was one tick lighter – he makes the show – a favourite in our family home and I'm sure thousands of others. Of course, not forgetting Susan, Jane and Chloe – three beautiful ladies who would complete the dream team.
If you’re lucky enough to have a “Meet and Greet” ticket, you receive a cool Ramsay Street sign and a poster signed by the six members. Dr Karl will also pen your name on it to make it personalised. Pass your phone or camera to a member of staff and they’ll take loads of great photos. You’ll meet the stars in two groups of three (as you can see in the photos in this review!) Don’t be nervous! All six celebs are amazing allowing hugs, handshakes and such a warm chat with all of them. They did over 5 hours of “Meet and Greets” today but they still looked so fresh and treated every fan like it was their first photo of the day. Trust me, this didn’t go unnoticed by everyone queuing. In fact, due to the length of time they spent with each member of the public, the show started 20 minutes late. I wasn’t grumbling as I was one of the lucky ones who had the close up and personal treatment.
So on to the big event itself. The Bridgewater Hall was full and as great as Belfast must have been on the opening night, Manchester was taking it up a notch.
Leah Boleto had the challenge of hosting the show and I’m going to sing her praises immediately. She was brilliant. As she clearly is a Neighbours super fan as everything came natural to her and she truly represented the fans. Because she spoke from the heart, I think by the third or fourth night, Leah might as well throw away the cards she held. She didn’t need them (although I know she’ll treasure them as a keepsake in years to come). Clearly she was just as excited to be here, as much as the audience couldn’t wait to see the first cast member enter the stage.
Over the next hour, Leah would host the ultimate Neighbours party. First guest was the legend, Toadie (Ryan Moloney). Like all good parties, the big character has to be there from the start – the soul of the gathering, the joker of the pack, the true Aussie. Who doesn’t love Jarrod Rebecchi? We’ve seen the class clown grow into a fantastic father and Lawman over nearly three decades. From getting his “dead rat” ponytail chopped off to the heart breaking full length episode of losing his wife, Sonya to cancer, it has felt like we’ve all adopted the Toadfish and been with him all the way.
Next to join in with the fun, enter Dr Karl (Alan Fletcher). If anyone was to bring the cheese and biscuits to the buffet, it had to be KK. We all adore his enthusiasm and passion. He knows how to get the crowd going. As Toadie cheekily joked, “Fletch is available for all birthdays and weddings!” Naturally the conversation turns to how he cheated on Susan (a number of times) and many more Karl stories follow. Free as a river, Fletch introduces his on-screen wife on to stage in his own unique way (I won’t spoil it for you) and suddenly this party is kickin’!
Jackie Woodburne is a Neighbours favourite with fans. She’s loved beyond words and it’s clear to see by the shock on her face and tears in her eyes within seconds of entering the stage, how adored she is. She’s the Queen of Ramsay Street and how Manchester embraced her royal presence. Something that always makes the fans sit up is hearing the Irish twang in Jackie’s voice. She hides it so well as Susan, but when talking in interviews, her Irish roots are clearly on display. Such a beautiful voice too. She’s so underrated as an actress. Of course, like Laurel and Hardy or Morecambe and Wise, there wouldn’t be Karl without Susan – their partnership on screen is as strong as any. As Eddie Redmayne described them, “the greatest unsung acting duo in history” – we echo your words Eddie! Jackie and Alan’s love for their characters, each other as friends and actors, and of course, the show itself, are shared all night with the audience. Being sat on the front row right in front of them made the experience even more special for me. I felt like they had invited me round for a brew at number 28 and I was sat with my feet up on their settee admiring the family portrait of Malcolm, Billy and Libby.
The first three members of the dream team, left the stage, (or retired to the kitchen in my fictional party to grab another drink), allowing for a relaxing moment to follow, and for me one of my highlights. Jane Harris (played by Annie Jones) entered the stage and for the next 10 minutes or so, it was just Leah and Annie talking. Annie appears the quieter cast member and because of her chilled out style, I felt like I was eaves dropping on a girlie chat with coffee and cake at Harold’s. Annie admitted that she has a lot of similarities to her character, Jane. It was lovely listening to her stories about the show. Very relaxing as if I was listening to Nanci Griffith on a Sunday afternoon at a folk festival. The fans are so pleased knowing Plain Jane Superbrain is returning to Ramsay Street.
Suddenly the Bridgewater Hall was turned into a Paris catwalk as Chloe (April Rose Pengilly) enters the stage. We all know she’s stunning (and in real life, even more so) as the Chlojitos are now flowing nicely as the Belle of the ball has arrived (stunning dress by the way!) April is the closest actress Neighbours now has to Margot Robbie. Not just a beautiful woman, but a fantastic actress too. Chloe has had some challenging story lines over the years and hopefully returns regularly when it reboots later this year. April shared her memories with us all and it’s clear to see that she’s still hurting from when the show originally got axed. Who wouldn’t be miffed by finding out the same day as the fans that it was the end of the line? April proudly has regularly let the fans see behind the scenes, another reason why she is so popular with viewers. When her name was announced that she’d be on the tour, the excitement online that day was immense. So glad to see April as part of this tour. She bridges the gap nicely with the older cast, meaning anyone in the audience who didn't watch in the 80’s, can relate more with Chloe and the more recent generation on Neighbours.
Last but not least, here comes the final guest to the gathering – Mr Paul Robinson, a.k.a Stefan Dennis. Now the party can really start. We absolutely love Moneybags. What a fantastic bloke too. When I shook his hand tonight, I told him, “I can now die a happy man!” and I meant it! Neighbours just wouldn’t be the same without him. Whether he’s marrying for the 6th time or fighting for his life during another epic storyline, Paul is a major reason we follow the show. As for Stefan, he looks nothing like his alter-ego. In fact, one lady said to me tonight, “Paul scrubs up well!” Naturally, I had to wittingly reply, “Does he make you feel good?” Well, Stefan, you made the whole room feel good with your warm personality, honest and amusing tales, and we salute you for your amazing portrayal of one of the best TV baddies ever to grace our screens. We can’t wait to see what the next chapter has to offer? I’d love to see SIX the Neighbours Musical. Forget Henry VIII’s wives, I wanted a Broadway written about Mr Robinson’s exes.
After the interval, all 6 actors plus host, sat on the stage for more reflecting, discussion, looking back at the ones we’ve lost, a bloopers video and Q&A’s (you can email during the show any questions you may want to ask and if you are lucky enough, it’ll be read out in the second half). What I liked about this evening was that the actors delved deeper and showed their true emotions live on stage. All of them cried a one point when the spotlight was on them which spread to the audience. It was a very emotional event. Thank goodness we all know Neighbours is now returning as the original penned “Farewell Tour” would have floored most of us. We would have needed weeks of therapy to heal the wounds again.
It truly was the ultimate fan experience and not some cheesy greatest hits. They could have easily shoved a 3 minute video on and said “Remember this?” but when video was used, it was just background material to complement what the actors were saying. They could have easily waffled on about Scott and Charlene’s wedding but that would have been too predictable. 120 minutes of superb entertainment was loved by a full house at the Bridgewater Hall. They are returning again on Monday for a second helping and Manchester will be still buzzing from tonight. If you are a big Neighbours fan, do your best to get a ticket for the tour, even if it means travelling to another city. Trust me, it’s worth your time, money and effort. I wish I could do it all again!
The event ends perfectly. Obviously I’m not going to ruin it by saying how the evening is concluded, but what I witnessed tonight was special. The fans and actors shared something special together and the love for Neighbours will clearly never die. As episode 9000 is the next landmark, who knows how many more will follow? (Only John Wong knows that answer!) All I know is tonight was the perfect celebration of what Neighbours has given us so far. We raise our glasses to celebrate. See you all at the Waterhole to continue the party! Just tell the bar staff, Mr Robinson is paying for the first round!
WE SCORE NEIGHBOURS - THE CELEBRATION TOUR...
Five stars aren't enough. I want to give a star to all 7 stars on stage!
The Exact Opposite
Back To The Future The Musical - Manchester Opera House - Wednesday 11th March 2020
As soon as the news broke that “Back To The Future” would be brought to life on to the stage, I was filled with excitement from my futuristic cap to my power laces. A world premiere in our great city too, was the cherry on the cake! Being an absolute BTTF nut, I then pondered how they would make a musical version of one of my all-time favourite films and admittingly, I felt a little apprehensive. Please don’t turn Hill Valley into one big cheese fest. I am delighted to announce, after my third visit already watching this new production, everybody is in for a treat and not a crumb of Cheddar can be spotted during this masterpiece. Whether you are a die-hard of the big screen trilogy or have never seen any of Robert Zemeckis’ 80’s classics, this is the must-see show of 2020. In fact, scrub that, it’s the must-see show of all time (regardless if you are stuck in good ol’ 1955, 1985 or living in the present!)
The atmosphere in the Opera House was already buzzing as people took their seats. There’s nothing better than seeing a fresh new project blossom in front of your very eyes. As the lights dimmed and Alan Silvestri’s iconic theme tune blasts out, I’m feeling like a kid on Christmas Day morning. Olly Dobson enters and immediately as he says his first words, the audience are impressed how he’s got Michael J Fox’s version of Marty, down to a T. He’s the whole Marty McFly package we hoped for whilst at the same time, Dobson adds a lot more to the mix. He clearly is not just here as a Michael J Fox copycat. As we are treated to the first couple of musical numbers (“It’s Only A Matter Of Time” and “Wherever We’re Going”), just like the movie, it’s a steady start, but soon this baby will hit 88 miles per hour!!!
As we are introduced to the rest of the McFly clan, and “Hello – Is Anybody Home?” superbly performed, the audience couldn’t get enough of this scene. Rosanna Hyland’s portrayal of Lorraine Baines was simply astonishing. As Lorraine would slowly become smitten for Calvin “Marty” Klein, we were all quickly falling in love with Rosanna Hyland. Marty’s siblings Dave (Will Haswell) and Linda (Emma Lloyd) deserve a huge shout out too. They brought the comedy element to the show whilst mirroring their characters in the film. In fact, I preferred Haswell and Lloyd’s stage versions more than the originals.
The chemistry between Doc Brown and Marty (Bart and Dobson) is more powerful than the plutonium lurking in the corner of the stage. They are getting stronger as a partnership for every show they tick off. You can sense this strong bonding between the two actors which makes their on-stage relationship look and feel so believable.
Staying true to the original script, the audience wouldn’t be too surprised by the general storyline and you knew most of the lines already, but what I loved was the conviction of how brilliant the actors brought this to life in front of our very eyes. The whole production was incredibly funny too due to an updated script which dealt with modern day life, choosing to leave out a few not so politically correct moments. As for the 1955 scenes… due to the brilliant set and choice of clothes/hair and 1950’s audio in the background, it felt like Marty had taken us with him.
The musical didn’t divert too far from the film version, but when it did, the additional scenes were amusing, cleverly inserted and were all warmly welcomed by the audience. The extra scenes complemented the story we all know and love so much.
My next “WOW” moment came when Goldie Wilson (Cedric Neal) was centre stage. What a performance from Neal. He absolutely nailed it. “Mayor Goldie Wilson, I like the sound of that!” The strongest singing performance of the night and my favourite new number, “Gotta Start Somewhere”. I just wanted to jump out of my seat and start dancing in the aisles. Even though Cedric didn’t go on to win “The Voice”, he is definitely a worthy winner in this production. Goldie certainly gets my vote, even if Mr Carruthers isn’t convinced.
The music throughout is beautifully blended with the acting scenes. Award winning director, John Rando has done an amazing job of making the production flow (even if there has been the odd technical issue on the journey so far. I blame all the potholes in this country!) George McFly’s comical “My Myopia”, Lorraine’s flirty little number “Pretty Baby” and Doc’s incredibly touching, “For The Dreamers” are just some more great tunes for you to absorb. Of course, the classics of “Earth Angel”, “The Power of Love” and “Back In Time” bring the house to its feet towards the end.
Bizarrely, on all three occasions I’ve seen this production so far, Alan Silvestri was sat on the same row as me each time. To be even in the same room as this man is an honour. The genius composer who not only brought us “Back To The Future”, he can also boast other major flicks such as “Forrest Gump”, “Predator”, “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?”, “The Bodyguard”, “Cast Away” and “The Polar Express”, to name just a few. I should also mention another great who was also at the theatre on all three evenings I’ve attended – six-time Grammy Award winner, Glen Ballard, the other genius responsible for the music and lyrics, was happily mingling with the audience and clearly loves the production as they strive to make it perfect. I’m sure like all of us, Glen appreciated the next “WOW” moment as Marty performing Johnny B. Goode. Olly Dobson was now blowing the crowd away. What a performance! How much pressure he must be feeling to get this scene right. Just like “Dirty Dancing”, when everyone is waiting for the “big lift”, all BTTF fans cannot wait to feast their eyes on Marty going crazy on stage. It’s such an iconic moment in the film. Olly Dobson excelled and I’m sure Michael J Fox would be first to acknowledge Dobson’s highlight of the night.
Mark Oxtoby plays Strickland so well. You won’t feel let down by the nosey headmaster who patrols his school like one of them nasty traffic wardens waiting for you to return to your car one minute late. Again, like the majority of the main cast, it’s like he’s been plucked out the film version. Brilliantly casted.
The ensemble deserve massive praise in this production too. Often brushed aside when reading reviews, these fine talented performers all should get the recognition they deserve. So here goes… Rhianne Alleyne, Jamal Crawford, Cameron McAllister, Alessia McDermott, Laura Mullowney, Oliver Ormson, Katharine Pearson, Jemma Revell, Jake Small, Justin Thomas, Mitchell Zhangazha, Amy Barker, Owen Chaponda, Nathanael Landskroner and Bethany Rose Lythgoe, you all did Hill Valley proud! Their dance routine during "21st Century" was something Diversity would have been proud of, with raving music fitting for the Hacienda.
I’ve saved the best thing about “Back To The Future The Musical” to last. The aspect of the show that produces so many “WOW” moments – the special effects. I’m not going to give anything away here – you simply have to go to the theatre to see it for yourself, and even then you’ll be stunned by how incredible everything looks. It’s worth the price of the ticket alone to watch the car speeding and transporting through time. As for the end, well, I’m still picking my jaw up from the carpet. I’m even feeling emotional just writing about it – and I’ve seen it three times, leaving me speechless each time. One of the finest pieces of theatre that you’ll ever see. It’s like “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” but on acid. Even Mary Poppins would be jealous!
The brainchild and puppet master behind the whole project is Bob Gale. He deserves a knighthood or at least he never has to buy a drink again for the rest of his life. Afterall, he came up with BTTF in the first place. If you book a seat in the stalls or hang around by the back door after the show, there’s a good chance you can speak to the great man himself. He is incredibly friendly and has so much time for the fans – whether posing for selfies, signing a programme or generally laughing and joking with the public – Bob Gale, we salute you! Even if Manchester has repaid him with our typical grim wet weather, I’m sure when Bob returns home, he’ll have many great memories of his time spent in the city.
Robert Zemeckis, the legendary director, joined Bob Gale, Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard on the stage with all the cast. Bob Zemeckis clearly enjoyed the show as I heard an extremely hearty laugh coming from where he was sat after the joke about "Hollywood messing up the book". What a night for all who attended!
To conclude, “Back To The Future The Musical” will go straight in most people’s top 5 shows they’ve ever seen. It will hit you harder than 1.21 gigawatts and leave a lasting impression. You’ll be tempted to go back again for a second helping or even more if you are greedy like me. So don’t be a slacker all of your life – make sure you buy a ticket to see this incredible show before the DeLorean and co leave Manchester for the final time on May 17 2020. Otherwise, you’ll regret it for the rest of your lives - trust me! Now then, can I get away with going for a 4th time?
I’m officially hooked. Bob Gale – what have you done to me? I could be following this production around for years, from the West End to Broadway, it’s going to be a huge hit. Here’s an idea Bob… Back To The Future 2 – The Musical??? What about part 3??? How I’d love to see a western set with Mad Dog Tannen terrorising the theatre goers. There’s so much potential to get more of the trilogy on the road. Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads!!!!
This show gets full marks for sure. 10/10!!!
