Sunday, 25 November 2018

Theatre Review - CILLA THE MUSICAL - DARLINGTON HIPPODROME




CILLA The Musical is based on the hit TV series starring Sheriden Smith. It follows the life of Cilla as a teenage girl, like many girls then and now dreaming of a life of fame as a singer. Cilla of course remarkably managed this and more, by the age of 25 she was a singer and TV star.
The star of the show is undoubtably Kara Lily Hayworth who has achieved the well-known nasally tones of Cilla and sings to perfection. She takes us on the incredible journey from her friendship with The Beatles as a shy teenager through her relationships with her eventual husband Bobby Willis, Alexandra Patmore, and her manager Brian Epstein, Andrew Lancel.  



The Beatles are brilliantly portrayed by Bill Caple as Ringo Starr, Michael Hawkins as John Lennon, Alex Harford as George Harrison and Joe Etherington as Paul McCartney. While Alexandra Patmore grows into his role as her boyfriend. I loved the performance from Andrew Lancel, who is most well known from his role in Coronation Street. Cilla’s parents Big Cilla, Jayne Ashley, and John, Neil McDonald, gave a different perspective, as the proud parents of the fact she works in an office and aren’t interested in her search for stardom.

With the 1st half ending with Cilla’s performance of ‘Anyone Who Had A Heart’ you can’t wait to get back for the 2nd half. I was only held back by the 80 minute length advertised for the 2nd half, 20 minutes longer than the 1st half. The music and acting was amazing, I just wished it was shorter.

For anyone who loved Cilla and the 60’s scene this show will hit the mark.

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