Tuesday, 30 April 2019

My Flute Practice Routine 2019

Hi everyone,

I'm not sure if you know or not, but I'm currently in the process of learning on how to play the flute. I have been learning the flute for around five years, and during that time the way I practice has actually changed. At the moment I'm currently working towards the ABRSM Grade 3, but I'm also working on pieces that fall around the Grade 6 standard. Also, during my practice sessions I will analyse what I'm doing, and by doing this it will help me to figure out were I'm going wrong, and if anything needs work. Then I can come back to it at my practice.

Scales & Arpeggios (30 minutes)
Before I even start working on my scales & arpeggios I warm up my flute by doing Harmonics on C; which is starting from the low C and without moving your fingers you go up the next octave, then to G, C, G, B, and then finally C. It's taken me the best part of 16 months to get to the 7th Harmonic with practice and patience.

Once I have warmed my flute up by using Harmonics and tuning her to A I then start with my scales and arpeggios. 
The scales that I'm currently working on are D Major 2 Octaves, Bb Major 12th & E Harmonic Minor 12th.
The arpeggios that I'm currently working on are G Major 12th, D Major 2 Octaves, Bb Major 12th & E Harmonic 12th.

I don't practice these all within one 30 minute session, as I like to rotate and change things up a little bit as I like a bit of variety within my learning. But, just as they all practiced that's all that matters, as scales and arpeggios form the basis of all musical learnings and it's important that they are learnt and practiced.

Exam Pieces (30 minutes)
I'm currently working on three pieces from the current ABRSM Grade 3 flute exam pack, and again I will rotate all of these pieces just to give myself a bit of variety.
The pieces that I'm currently working on are: -
- The Irish Washerwoman
- Study in D Minor
- Cinq Sets

All of these pieces have there own hurdles to get your head around, but it's really nice to hear the progress that I have made during my next music lesson. The first piece that I took to was the 'Study in D Minor', and I more or less sight-read it within the first lesson that I picked the piece. It wasn't perfect, but I thrilled to bits that I had actually sight-read a piece during a lesson; as it had never happened before.

Additional Pieces (30 minutes)
These are the additional pieces that I have chosen to learn with the help of my music teacher. The pieces I'm currently working on are the Chopin Nocturne Op 9, No 2 & and 'The Swan' from 'Carnival of the Animals' by Saint-Saens.

With these additional pieces I like spend around 15 minutes on each piece, and by doing this I can focus on working out my little "niggles", while having a bit of fun. I've actually taught myself how to sight-read 'The Swan' without my teachers knowledge up until recently, as it was a piece that I really wanted to learn; and I have been learning this piece since just before Christmas last year. It's still not perfect, as I have a bar that keeps tripping me up every time I practice it.

For the Chopin Nocturne Op 9, No 2 I'm currently working on quite a few 'runs' that take place towards the end of the piece, as I need to train my fingers up to do them. It's taking a bit of time to get these right, but progress is still being made even though it may be in form of 'baby steps'.

Music Planner
I have an A5 ring bound planner which is dedicated to my music learnings/ practice, and within this planner I keep the times I have practiced, flute lessons, what I have been set to do by flute teacher, a condensed practice log, a more in depth practice log, and also any goals. Alongside my music planner I also have a 'Music Journal' and this is what I take to my lessons; and within this is where I also log my more in-depth music practice.



Tuesday, 23 April 2019

Theatre Review: 'Breaking the Rules' by Clare Norburn (Updated)

Hi everyone,

I had the pleasure of seeing Clare Norburn's fabulous production of 'Breaking the Rules' twice back in 2016, and I have finally managed to go again on the 17th April 2019 only this time it was being performed at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester.


Cast


Gesualdo - Gerald Kyd

The Marian Consort
Jamie Akers/ Wezi Elliot - Lutest

Original Review from 2016


'Breaking the Rules' is a performance to celebrate Gesualdo's 450th birthday. The performance consists of a two hour monologue and the Marian Consort performing Gesualdo's Tenebrae Responsies and Madrigils. The Tenebrae Responsies are sacred pieces of music composed by Gesualdo, and the Madrigils are the pieces of music were Gesualdo started to explore the use of harmonics and chromatics, and at that period in time it was just starting to come about.


'Breaking the Rules' is a one man concert drama that centres around the last day of Carlo Gesualdo. Gesualdo is alone in his chapel on his family estate. But, Gesualdo has been living inside his castle for some time.

  Two weeks previous he lost his only son and heir, and Gesualdo himself now stares death in the face, knowing that he faces purgatory for the multitude of sins that he has committed.
  During his final day, Gesualdo is haunted by the memories of his first wife, Maria; who he murdered 23 years ago because she was having an affair with local nobleman, Fabrizio Carafa, the Duke of Andria. The only thing that will finally free him of these visions from the past is if he 'turns on' the music, which he himself has composed.
  Also, in the chapel with Gesualdo are his consort of singers and they help to provide a soundtrack into Gesualdo's mind, as well as to act as a trigger to help Gesualdo remember his important life events.

Gerald is absolutely outstanding as Gesualdo, because he makes him likeable; even though he has a very dark and intense past. The monologue is performed with a lot of depth and contrast; and this is due to Gesualdo reflecting back on his past as well as highlighting some of his important life events.


The Marian Consort are fabulous as Gesualdo's personal consort. They perform a selection of Gesualdo's Tenebrae Responsies and Madrigils because Gesualdo has to 'turn on' the music while reflecting on his past life. The music which is performed by the Marian Consort is beautiful to listen too because of the harmonics and chromatics that is used throughout Gesualdo's compositions. Angels are definitely singing in the form of the Marian Consort.


'Breaking the Rules' is a fabulous production that provides the audience with a unique experience. If you want to see a show which puts in a dream-like state, and through a palette of colours, then this could be for you. 'Breaking the Rules' is a show that certainly takes you out of yourself and transports you to another place.


2019 Update

I had the pleasure of seeing 'Breaking the Rules' for a third time, and this time it was held at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester at 7.30pm.

This was staged differently to when I had watched this in the past; as they used elements of the hall to give it a more spacious feel rather than the condensed feeling which is due to the layout of the churches.
  The opening act started off with the Marian Consort singing from the dress circle; and at the start of the second act the Consort sang from the gallery. But they also walked around the stalls during the second act.

The way the monologue is performed has also changed from when I first saw the production. Gerald has given Gesualdo a 'new lease of life', as there's even more depth of colour, as well as a lot more to Gesualdo's character from what I remember previously. Also, both Luigi and Guilio now each have their own characteristics.
  The 'magic numbers' scene has also been staged differently, because this scene used to be Gerald sitting in a chair reading a book; whereas it now commands the entire stage.

'Breaking the Rules' has certainly got better and better over the years. It seems to go at a more relaxing pace, which gives it a more natural and free flowing feel. Everyone was on top form. The Marian Consort sounded exceptionally crisp and clean, and Gerald has only bettered the entire monologue throughout the years.
  I actually felt very at home with 'Breaking the Rules', as I had a lovely, warm cosy feeling throughout. I even caught myself saying some of the monologue to myself, as well as having a little sing-a-long with some of the music.

I would highly recommend anyone to grab a ticket to see this wonderful production; as I didn't think it could get any better, but this show has bettered itself throughout the years.

Tuesday, 16 April 2019

Products I Would Repurchase - Part Four

Hi everyone,

It's been a long while since I have done a 'Products I Would Repurchase' post, so I thought it was time that I did another segment for you.

Vichy Purete Thermal Fresh Cleansing Gel
The Vichy Purete Thermal Fresh Cleansing Gel is a lovely refreshing cleanser to use, both in the morning and evening. I have just recently purchased another bottle of this cleanser, as I hadn't used in a while. This is a brilliant cleanser for anyone whose looking for a cleanser that gives them just a little bit of hydration, and it also works well for oily and combination skin types (like myself), as it doesn't strip the skin of any of its natural oils. Also, this cleanser has a lovely, sweet refreshing scent to it, which makes it even more of a joy to use; as it was the fragrance aspect of this cleanser that I was missing.

Clinique Moisture Surge Moisturiser
I've gone through a number of tubs of this moisturiser over the past couple of years, and its great for a getting some additional hydration into the skin. This is another skincare product that I've come across that not only works for people who have dry skin, but it also works well for people who have oily/ combination skin. It's also a lightweight moisturiser, which means that it sinks into the skin straight away.

Clinique 'All About Eyes' Eye Cream
I've gone through a couple of tubs of this eye cream. This eye cream is great for anyone whose looking for a basic eye cream that adds just the slightest bit of hydration under the eye area. It's also formulated for people who have sensitive skin, which makes a really gentle eye cream to use.

Caudalie Polyphenol C15 Serum (Discontinued)
I think I went through two of these serums before I found that this had been discontinued, and it was this serum that got me into adding Vitamin C into my skincare routine. But, if this product was still available to purchase I would happily buy it again.

Kiehl's Daily Reviving Concentrate 
This forms part of my morning skincare routine, and it's one product within my morning skincare routine that I wouldn't want to be without. It's a lovely, lightweight oil that sinks into the skin straight away. Once the skin gets used to the Daily Reviving Concentrate you should start to a natural glow to your skin.

Elemis Lime Blossom Cleanser
I've gone through two of these cleansers in the past, and I would happily buy it if I fancied changing up my skincare routine and going back to a cream cleanser. It's a rich, but lightweight cleanser aimed at oily/ combination skin types. It also has a mild fragrance to it, just to give it a more luxurious feel.

Elemis Lavender Toner
This is gorgeous and relaxing toner from Elemis, as it has lavender in it. I really enjoyed using this as part of my evening skincare routine. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for adding a little bit of extra relaxation into their skincare routine.

Body Shop Ginseng & Rice Face Mask
This is one intense face mask from the Body Shop, but it does a fabulous job of clearing the skin and giving it a natural glow. Because it's also formulated with rice, it gives it an additional level of exfoliation. I really enjoyed using this face mask, and I got about six months of use out of this face mask. I'm not in any need of any face masks at the moment, but this one that I would happily repurchase.

Clinique 'Take the Day Off' Cleansing Balm
I've gone through a few tubs of this within the past couple of years, and I use this as my first cleanse in my evening skincare routine; as I actually 'double cleanse' my skin in an evening. I like this as it's just a basic cleansing balm, but it's a cleansing balm that gets the job done effectively. It also rinses off cleanly with warm water and a flannel.

Kiehl's Rosa Arctica Lightweight Cream
I've only used a deluxe size sample of this in the past, but I do have a full size of this ready to be used once I'm done with my current moisturiser. This is a gorgeous, lightweight moisturiser that sinks into the skin straight away. Because this is the lightweight formula it makes it ideal to have as part of a morning skincare routine. I also got a load of compliments while I was using this moisturiser, as it gave my skin a natural glow.




Tuesday, 9 April 2019

My Favourite Skincare Products

Hi everyone,

I thought that I would share with you my favourite skincare products. Some of these products are my tried and true products, that I have repurchased a few times; and some of these are completely new into my skincare routines and I have fallen in love with.



Dr Botanicals Moroccan Rose Superfood Facial Oil
This has got to be one of the nicest, and most luxurious facial oils I've ever used. It has a lovely lightweight formula that sinks into the skin straight away, and the scent of this oil is heavenly. I really enjoy having this as part of my evening skincare routine, as I wake up with a natural glow to my skin the following morning.

Dr Botanicals Japanese Orange Revive & Firm Facial Serum
This is my first introduction into the world of using Retinol, but because this is in a mild and natural form my skin has actually taken well to using this product. I was a little bit hesitant at the idea of using this at first, but it has become a product that have grown to love. I use this on alternate evenings, due to it being a retinol based product. It's also has Vitamin C added this serum. It has a gorgeous citrus fragrance, which smells divine.


Vichy Purete Thermal Fresh Cleansing Gel
I went through a bottle of the Vichy Purete Fresh Cleansing Gel, and I have missed having as part of my skincare routine. When I originally used this cleanser it formed part of my evening skincare routine, but I now have it as part of my Sunday skincare routine; as I switch my routine up a little bit at the weekends. This cleanser doesn't strip the skin of any of it's natural oils, as well as adding a bit of extra hydration into the skin. It also has a lovely, but mild fresh scent which I absolutely adore as it has a bit of a sweetness too it.

Dr Botanicals Tropical Invigorating Duo Moisturiser
I use this moisturiser as part of my morning skincare routine, and it has a rich consistency while still being somewhat lightweight. It also sinks into the skin more or less straight away. This is a brilliant moisturiser for a adding some additional hydration into the skin. It also has a fresh scent to it.


Alpha H Liquid Gold
This was the product that got me into using glycolic acid years ago. I use this as part of my Saturday skincare routine, due to it being an intense chemical exfoliator due to the alcohol content. Alpha H Liquid Gold does contain 5% glycolic acid, and it does work. I also don't follow up this product with a moisturiser, as it makes it work more effectively.

REN Wake Wonderful Night Time Facial
This forms part of my Sunday skincare routine, and this is an overnight exfoliating booster which helps to deep clean pores, support natural cell turnover and boosts the skin's natural radiance. But it also locks in moisturiser at the same time. This product is also on the intensive side of things, so I only use one pump of this and it does the job. You can also follow this product up with a moisturiser and it doesn't affect the effectiveness of the product.


Kiehl's Daily Reviving Concentrate
I have had this product as part go my morning skincare routine for around two years, and I don't want to be without it. It's a lovely lightweight oil that sinks into the skin straight away, and it adds a natural glow and also a shot of hydration. It does have a bit of a scent to it, and it does take a bit to get used too. I would highly recommend this product, especially if you can get past the scent.


Lancome Energie de Vie Nuit Overnight Recovery Mask
I absolutely adore this overnight mask from Lancome, as it does exactly what it's supposed to do; which is to give the skin an intensive boost of hydration overnight. It's a lovely product to use, and it's inspired by the current Korean skincare trend.

I hope that you have enjoyed reading about just a few of my favourite skincare products, and I'm hoping to do some posts like this in the future.


Tuesday, 2 April 2019

Blast from the Past - Part Two

Hi everyone,

Here's the second instalment of my 'Blast from the Past' series, and I do have a couple of specials coming up over the next few months.

Boots Natural Collection Lip Gloss
The Boots Natural Collection lipglosses were my first introduction into lipglosses when I was around 9/10 years old, and the first one I owned was a shimmery pink one. I think it was called something like 'Raspberry Ripple' or just 'Raspberry', and these had a lovely sweet scent that smelt delicious.

Boots Natural Collection Body Mists
The Boots Natural Collection body mists have now sadly been discontinued for years. They used to have a collection of around five to six different fragrances, and these fragrances consisted of vanilla, lime, raspberry and/ or strawberry, blueberry and maybe apple and orange/ citrus.

Body Shop Range in 'Moonflower'
This was one of the ranges from the Body Shop that my mum actually introduced me too. The 'Moonflower' range was a lovely, light but slightly sweet floral fragrance; and this range was avaliable from sometime in the 1990s to around the mid 2000s. The range consisted of an EDP, body spray, body lotion, body butter and shower gel. From the range I had the body spray and EDP. I really wish that the Body Shop would bring this range back, as it holds loads of lovely memories for me.

Impulse Body Spray in O2
This was the body spray that every girl wore during my years at secondary school. The Impulse O2 fragrance was a gorgeous fresh, sweet apple scent, and it used to make everyone feel happy, as it was such an uplifting fragrance.

Boots No. 7 Make Up from the Mid/ Late 90s
I think I was around 10 years old when I was introduced to the Boots No.7 Make Up line, and this was purely by chance as I had a won a No.7 make up gift set in a raffle. If I remember correctly the set consisted of a neutral eyeshadow quad, a little bag, a mirror, and possibly a lipstick/ lipgloss. My favourite product from this gift set was the eyeshadow  quad, as I remember using it all of the time.

Keep an eye out for more blog posts, as I have a few ideas for this series in the works.

Tuesday, 26 March 2019

Skincare & Beauty Haul

Hi everyone,

I have been a little bit of shopping recently, but there's a bit of variety within this haul as I needed to grab a few essentials as well as trying out a few new products.



Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber & Green Tea (4 fl.oz)
I have heard quite a lot of positive reviews regarding the facial sprays from Mario Badescu over the years. So, I thought I would pick one up and give it a try. I decided to try the aloe, cucumber and green tea as it appealed to me the most.

Vichy Purete Thermale Fresh Cleansing Gel
This is one of my favourite cleansers that I tried years ago, and I have been wanting it back in my skincare routine for the past year. This cleanser has a lovely, fresh scent and it also provides the skin with a little bit of hydration.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir 30ml
I have decided to purchase another one of the Caudalie Beauty Elixirs due to its relaxing properties, as its filled with essential oils such as lavender and peppermint.


Pixi Glow Tonic
I've decided to purchase another Glow Tonic from Pixi despite it being a little hit and miss everytime I used it. But I was in need of some more glycolic acid, as I'm due to run out of my Alpha H and I was also in a pinch at the time.

Superdrug B Multi Acid Retexturising Pads
I ended purchasing these on whim while I browsing in Superdrug. These sounded really promising, and they do contain glycolic acid (which is right at the top of the ingredient list). If all goes well these could turn out to be a very budget friendly option for getting glycolic acid into your skincare routine.


Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion
This was one of the essentials that I needed to purchase as my skin is in need of some TLC at the moment. I was using E45 to see if that would help, but it wasn't touching it. So, I decided to give Aveeno a whirl and this is working wonders for me at the moment.

Aveeno Daily Moisturising Hand Cream
I've used this hand cream in the past and this also works wonders for when my hands get cold and chapped. 

Marc Jacobs Le Creme Lipstick in 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang'
This has got to be one of favourite lipstick formulas, and the shade 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang' is my perfect rosy nude; which I seem to getting quite a collection recently. I just have to use up the mini lipstick I have of this before I start on this one.


Happy Skin Collagen Facial Sheet Mask
I've been wanting to try a collagen sheet mask ever since I came across them back in January. I originally wanted to try the one from Patchology, but they didn't have any in stock at the time; and this was the only one I could find at the time.





Tuesday, 19 March 2019

Theatre Review: The Rocky Horror Show 2019

Hi everyone,

I had the pleasure of going to see the current tour of 'The Rocky Horror Show' twice at the Opera House in Manchester. The first performance I went to see was on the 11th January, and this was a matinee performance; and the second time I went was an evening performance, which was on the 23rd January.

  I've been wanting to see 'The Rocky Horror Show' live ever since I came across the 2015 version on Sky Arts a few years ago.

Cast

The Narrator - Beverly Callard
Brad Majors - Ben Adams
Janet Weiss - Joanne Clifton
Frank n Furter - Stephen Webb
Riff Raff - Kristian Lavercombe
Columbia - Miracle Chance
Rocky - Callum Evans
Eddie/ Dr Scott - Ross Chisari
Phantoms - Reece Budin, Shelby Farmer, Katie Monks & Jake Small

The first act opens with a strong rendition of 'Science Fiction/ Double Feature', and this acts as a prologue before we get into the main act. We then meet Brad and Janet, and they have just attended their friends wedding. On their way back home from the wedding they run into some car trouble and they need to get some help, but the only place nearby is a castle a few miles down the road. When they arrive at the castle they are welcomed in by Riff Raff who informs Brad and Janet that they have arrived on a rather special evening. The audience are treated to an awesome version of the "Time Warp" followed by a strong, but ever so slightly cheeky rendition of the iconic "Sweet Transvestite". Brad and Janet are then invited up to Frank's lab where we meet Frank's latest creation called "Rocky", who backflips around the stage with both energy and ease.


The second act opens up with the famous bedroom scene between Janet and Frank, which is then followed by Brad and Frank. The aftermath of Brad and Janet's bedroom encounters with Frank is that Janet is lusting after more despite being engaged to Brad; and Brad is filled with regret as he really loves Janet. Around the same time all of this is going on Dr Scott makes his way to Frank's castle unknowingly without the knowledge that Brad and Janet are already there. While everyone is present Frank promises them a floor show that they won't be forgetting anytime soon. The floor show features Brad, Janet, Columbia, Rocky and of course Frank; which features a very strong, but fun filled rendition of "Rose Tint My World". This was then followed by a soft, but also slightly powerful "Don't Dream It, Be It".

  The finale for the 'Rocky Horror Show' is absolutely brilliant, as everyone gets up and dances to the "Time Warp" in the aisles, and we even get treated to another fabulous rendition of "Sweet Transvestite".

A special mention must go to our narrator Beverly Callard when did a wonderful job at keeping up with all of the heckles from the audience, and I must mention that some of the 'come backs' she came out were absolutely brilliant on both occasions.


Songs

Science Fiction/ Double Feature (Laura Harrison)
Science Fiction/ Double Fiction opens up the first act, and is performed by Laura Harrison who plays the Roxy Cinema Usherette, and this also sets the scene for the 'Rocky Horror Show' for the 70s. Laura provided us with strong and powerful vocals during this opening number and is a glorious way to open a show.

Dammit, Janet (Ben Adams & Joanne Clifton)

This is the number where we get to meet Brad and Janet, and is also the number where Brad proposes to Janet. Joanne's vocals are soft, sweet and delicately high pitched; where as Ben's vocals are rounded throughout, which provides a lovely contrast to the piece.

Over At The Frankenstein Place (Ben Adams, Joanne Clifton & Kristian Lavercombe)
This has got to be one of favourite numbers of the entire show. It's also the number where we get to meet the legendary Riff Raff. Kristian's vocals during the mid section are amazing, especially the octave leap from the arpeggio as it closes with a very strong vibrato. Joanne's vocals are still on the high side while still being quite delicate, and Ben's vocals are still quite rounded with a just a bit more power behind them.

Time Warp (Kristian Lavercombe & Company)
Fabulous vocals are provided by Kristian, Laura and Miracle during this party favourite. Both Kristian's and Laura's vocals are strong and pwerful, and by contrast Miracle's voice has a lovely sweetness to it.

Sweet Transvestite (Stephen Webb)
This is when we get to meet the legendary Frank n Furter. Stephen provides us with a strong but rounded vocals, with an element of cheekiness thrown in.

Sword of Damocles (Callum Evans)
We finally get to meet Frank's latest creation called 'Rocky'. Callum backflips around the stage with both grace and energy, which is impressive to watch.

Hot Patootie (Ross Chisari)
'Hot Patootie' follows straight on from 'Sword of Damocles', and we get too meet Eddie during this very short lived number.

I Can Make You a Man (Stephen Webb)
'I Can Make You a Man' is performed with grace, with elements of both fun and cheekiness. It also has a feeling of a ballard.

Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me (Joanne Clifton)
This is the number where Janet begins to lust for more after tasting Frank's 'forbidden fruit'. Joanne has done a fantastic job at tackling this particular piece, as it has a tendency to creep into the high register of the stave.

Once In a While (Ben Adams)
A little fact about 'Once In a While' - It's actually a deleted scene from the original film. This is also part of the show where Ben's gorgeous boyband vocals begin to come out a little more. The first time I watched this being performed by Ben my brain couldn't quite figure out if I was watching the 'Rocky Horror Show' or an A1 concert. A fun, but an unusual experience to have while I sitting in the stalls.

Eddie (Ross Chisari & Company)
I adore whole upbeat feel to the piece, especially the chorus. The whole cast looked as if they were "having a ball" while performing this number on stage.

Planet Schmanet Janet (Stephen Webb)
This is the number where we begin to see a change in Frank's character, and Stephen's vocals and phrasing actually emphases the change of Frank.

Planet Hot Dog (Laura Harrison)
Let's just say that the lovely Laura gets a little carried away with this one, and this works wonderfully with Magenta's character.

Rose Tint My World (Callum Evans, Miracle Chance, Ben Adams & Joanne Clifton)
Stockings and suspenders at the ready, as it's time for the first number of Frank's floor show. This is when we see Brad, Janet, Columbia and Rocky dressed in corsets, stockings, suspenders and also heels. This is an absolute joy to watch, and the vocals on this are strong throughout.

Don't Dream It, Be It (Stephen Webb)
This is a gorgeous number which is performed as a solo by Stephen. Stephen's vocals are soft, with a subtle element of fullness.

Wild & Untamed Thing (Stephen Webb & Company)
This is fun, but also a very fast paced musical number.

I'm Going Home (Stephen Webb)
Another lovely solo performance provided by Stephen.

Finale: Time Warp & Sweet Transvestite (All Company)
This has got to be one of the most enjoyable curtain calls I've ever experienced, as all of the audience joins with both the "Time Warp", and also the reprise of "Sweet Transvestite".

Audiences

Matinee
My first visit to the 'Rocky Horror Show' was a matinee performance, and it was a full house. I was actually surprised at how many people got dressed up as it was a matinee. This was also a very lively and outgoing audience, which made the experience and the enjoyment so much better. I was made to feel extremely welcome during my first visit to the castle.

Evening
The evening performance I went too was a mid week performance, and this was also a very quiet evening performance, which took me a little bit by surprise as I was expecting it to be much more lively than the matinee performance that I had previously attended. The livelier audience members where in the dress circle, while the quieter ones where seated in the stalls. But, again I was made to feel very welcome by other members of the audience, and also the whole cast.

I thoroughly enjoyed both of my experiences seeing the 'Rocky Horror Show', and I got made to feel extremely welcomed by both audiences and also the cast. It's most fun I've had for a very long time, and I haven't felt as 'high as kite' in a very long time and the fact that it's lasted for a good few months is actually a testament on how this brilliant this show can actually make you feel; even a few months after watching live.

I would highly recommend that you go and the latest tour of the 'Rocky Horror Show' if you  enjoy musical theatre, a 90s kid (like myself), or if you want to watch something that gives you that feel good factor. I would also recommend that you double and triple your tickets for this tour, which is what quite a number of the audience members are doing.

- The current tour is on tour in the UK until November. 
- Ben Adams & Joanne Clifton are on the current tour until the 25th May 2019
- The role of Frank n Furter is being shared by Stephen Webb & Duncan James
(Source: Rocky Horror Website: www.rockyhorror.co.uk)