[ruthiefan_felix]

So with the new boring cast change coming up, I've alas got my ticket to watch this exciting cast before they leave and also the new ensemble. Got myself a restricted view ticket which was 20 pounds and moved myself up to further front of the Upper Circle since it was only 70% full (which was quite gd for a Mon night I must say!) Perfect view. Lemme state that before I went in to watch the show I had HIGH expectations from the whole cast AND no expectation whatsoever for Kelly Osbourne.

Annette McLaughlin (Velma): Alas I got round to seeing her after her in and out of Chicago so often!!! What can I say? Even with my HIGH expectations she still surprised me! She has this classy old belting voice which is SO pleasant to listen to. And I havent heard any Velmas deliver the line 'I have the tenderest heart in the world, don't I Mama?' so well. She was very spot on with her choices for the character you couldn't take your eyes off her!

Sarah Soetaert (Roxie): I am SO glad to see Sarah billed as an offical Roxie rather than an understudy goin on or sth. First of all, I really like her whole performance. Her 'Funny Honey' was so sexily done and so was her 'Roxie' and by the end of Act 1/Intermission I can only think of one word to describe her: MINX! What a blonde minx! She's short and bouncy and cute and sexy. She might not have the best voice but her acting and dancing really made up for it. Though I only have one complaint: what the hell is wrong with her wig?! It's blonde, fine. But it's a blonde version of an Annie wig! And it made her look ridiculous! Even so... she was still a great Roxie and wouldn't have noticed she was an understudy.

Michael Simkins (Billy): Now I didn't have any expectations for him but a friend told me he was good that's why I watched the show this week instead of last wk with Clarke Peters. He has a decent singing voice but what a great actor! Totally tackled the role. Slick, really knows how to get dirty to play the game. Not the BEST Billy I've seen but he's definitely a good Billy.

Kelly Osbourne (Mama): I have NO expectations for her whatsoever and I can't believe I still leave the theatre feeling I've been cheated!!! She has NO stage presence whatsoever... just stands there, mostly sideways, COMPLETELY blocking any audiences viewing her. And for her big numbers... well they aint so big... in fact I wish I was shot rather than sitting through her sing! She has NO emotion whatsoever, felt like she just need to rush through the performance and then continue to party! Funnily enough she sung really slow. She also cannot carry a tune! Also I've never heard a less appealing 'spice it up for Mama, she'll get hot for you'... it's like she's just saying it... no sass no nothing. She's only 20 sth and she has NO sex appeal compared to all the other 30 - 50 yr olds playing the role before her! Disappointed and I pitied how Annette had to sing along her through the classic 'Class' which she totally ruined! I've seen less vocal Mamas who acted the sh*t out of the role (Anita Dobson) and ones who are famous and sang well (Lynda Carter) but Kelly... she was a triple disappointment. And seeing her understudy Rachel Pressland sitting in the Box writing notes down made me miss Rachel as Mama SO much more!!!!

Clive Rowe (Amos): One of my fav. West End performers and did NOT disappoint me and is now my fav. Amos (maybe alongside Paul Baker). He is SO SO SO cute and innocent and so trying to be bad and be someone but fails. He was so real and his 'Mr. Cellophane' was funny at first and then becomes frustration and anger which really made me cry (first time I've ever cried for this number!) and by the looks around me, most of the Upper Circle were crying as well! What an actor, what a voice, can't wait to see him in his next project!

T.Soloon (Mary Sunshine): Great as usual.

Ensemble: In great shape in general. The girls and boys are hotter than ever! One of my fav. addition is Michelle Antrobus. There are 2 new trousers/tights for the boys which both of them are made of kinda silky material. The one Paul Iveson was wearing I love/didn't mind but the other one I thought looked cheap and hideous! Anyway, the girls are in great form, so sexy! And Lisa (Announcer/G2H Kitty) was just WOW!

Overall the show is in great shape but sadly not for long since Frances and Amra are both joining the show alongside Terence and Paul. I spoke to Natalie Edmunds at the stagedoor whom remembered me and she informed me that Ann Reinking will be coming to London 1 wk prior to the 10th Anniversary to shape up the cast! How exciting! Also Annette told me that she herself will be performing as well and apparently there will be an open dress rehersal... not sure... anyone know anything??? Im still deciding whether to go... it's really expensive!