Greetings from theatre land this week folks, the festive season is now well and truly upon us, with more Christmas dos than you can shake a stick at.
In the week that was, Capital FM celebrated its annual star-studded Jingle Bell Ball, the Royal Variety Performance dazzled its regal attendees Kate and Wills, and ITV's Text Santa campaign has already got off to a fine start thanks to TV's silver fox Phillip Schofield schlepping himself across the television networks for a full 24 hours of live telly.
I love this time of year, it's a permanent cycle of sheer panic and over indulgence, so it was with great pleasure I was treated to some super A list serenity in the company of royalty no less – yes my friends, thanks to my role as a Prince's Trust Ambassador I was invited to HRH's home, Clarence House, for a splendid Christmas shopping and mince pie quaffing experience.
Fellow ambassadors including newsreaders Nicholas Owens, Mary Nightingale, and everyone's favorite, (Christopher) Biggins, were all on best behavior as we enjoyed a wonderful few hours residing in the royal rooms. The perfect distraction from the chaos of Christmas, thank you Sir.
Speaking of chaos, I'm a Celebrity has hung its cork hat up for another year, as Carl 'Foggy' Fogarty was finally crowned King of the Jungle this week. Not being massively overwhelmed by the line-up this year, it's had one or two dips in entertainment for me, however, overall, with the outstanding Ant and Dec patter poking fun at the ever shrinking campers, it's certainly remained at the top of the viewers' choice – me included.
Edwina Curry, Jimmy Bullard and (albeit fleeting) Gemma Collins have undoubtedly been the highlights, however, X Factor's Jake Quickenden and TV host Mel Sykes will reap some rewards post-show from their efforts too. As the weary campers and 700 crew make their way back to Blighty, it's safe to say this jungle romp remains one of the best shows on telly – long may it continue.
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From live TV to the live stage. The hottest ticket in town this week was surely for the much-anticipated West End return of musical phenomenon Cats, and your DS columnist had the best seat in the house – right next to show creator Andrew Lloyd Webber, to be precise!
There was one person who everyone was waiting to see, and hear… and critique, as former X Factor judge and singer Nicole Scherzinger made her debut as Grizabella the cat – the role previously made famous by singing veteran Elaine Paige, who also happened to be sitting in the audience watching, no doubt through critical eyes.
A heaving London Palladium played host to the musical theatre extravaganza, face-paint artists merrily daubed excited punters with cats' whiskers (nice touch), which included celebrities and a who's who of theatre land all visibly excited to see the return of a show which was last seen in Theatreland in 2002.
At a few minutes past 7pm, the familiar theme tune filled the 2,200 strong house and what transpired over the next two hours was sheer perfection. A cast who really do have it all… singing, dancing, acting and physique, most numbers reduced the audience to spontaneous applause in appreciation of the sheer talent being displayed.
A wee mention to my pal and fellow thespian Nicholas Pound who reprised his role as 'top cat' Old Deuteronomy, and led the young cast with his strong presence and killer vocals.
But what of the 'star billing'? Nicole Scherzinger's much-anticipated entrance was met with a supportive audience, and any fears she may have had were unfounded… quite simply, she smashed it! The iconic 'Memory' was sung with such passion and power it prompted a 'mid-song' applause and another standing ovation shortly after. One couldn't fail to see the emotion in her eyes as she took it all in.
It's been over a decade since we've had the pleasure of this unique show in London, and all I can say is, it's a darn good job it's back!
