Olivia Davey's Dress Circle
Olivia Davey has seen 18 shows and has 17 shows on their FollowSpot
1
Les Misérables
Now PlayingLes Misérables
Now PlayingAbsolute perfection! Everything about this show is incredible, from the music and story to the impressive set pieces. I've seen it 23 times now - it never gets old.
I miss the original production! While the new production is brilliant, and some aspects are definitely improved, a few moments like Enjolras' death have less impact now.
2
It's Les Mis again, what's not to like! I loved the focus on the music, especially moments when the orchestra got highlighted more than usual so they could be really appreciated.
Some weak casting, like Michael Ball who didn't suit Javert at all, and just the fact it isn't the complete show - a few weird things like Gavroche's individual death were cut.
3
Back to the Future: The Musical
Now PlayingBack to the Future: The Musical
Now PlayingWow! This show is fantastic - so much fun, likeable characters, and hilarious from start to finish. It's one of the most visually and technically impressive shows I've seen, all the moments with the Delorean are amazing to watch. I really appreciate how faithful it is to the classic original film.
Some songs are a bit forgettable to begin with, but the more you listen the more you fall in love with them.
4
This show absolutely blew me away! The Regent's Park Open Air Theatre production has one of my favourite production designs of any show, as well as fantastic choreography. I adore the songs, and it has so much constant energy that makes it nothing but exciting to watch. The actors have some insane vocals!
The story is very difficult to follow, plot points aren't made that clear.
5
Jersey Boys
Now PlayingJersey Boys
Now PlayingOne of my favourite shows! The execution is perfect, the way they tell what is a really interesting story and respect each band member's legacy. The set and lighting designs are probably my favourites in any show I've ever seen. And of course the music is amazing, especially with such talented casts performing it.
Except for getting lost with the story a couple of times, I can't think of anything!
6
Matilda the Musical
Now PlayingMatilda the Musical
Now PlayingI adore this show! Some incredibly catchy songs, clever lyrics, and a beautiful story. It's also funny (Telly is such a highlight) and the casts, both kids and adults, are always outstanding.
A few strobe lights that are a bit too intense, especially since they point directly at the audience.
7
Another hit for Mischief Theatre! Even funnier than The Play That Goes Wrong, and it has all the charm of that show but with added musical moments that just make it a joy to watch.
It ended way too soon! It's heartbreaking that it never got to properly finish its West End run.
8
I absolutely loved this show, so funny from start to finish with not only the scripted elements but all of the improvisation and audience interaction too. The magic is impressive, and you just sit there with a smile on your face the whole time excited to see what will come next. Seeing Henry Lewis and Jonathan Sayer in a live show was also really enjoyable, they were both brilliant!
It didn't bother me personally, but if you don't like audience participation don't go and see this show (and definitely don't sit in the stalls or write down a 'secret' before the show) because there is a lot of it.
9
The Play That Goes Wrong
Now PlayingThe Play That Goes Wrong
Now PlayingAbsolutely hilarious! It's so fast paced and full of energy. I love how it's different every time you see it thanks to all the improvised moments!
The story got lost on me a bit because there's so much other stuff going on, so I was confused at times, but it really doesn't matter or affect your overall enjoyment of the show.
10
Mischief just can't make a bad show! Constant hilarity (I cried laughing at one point), fast-paced, and a really cleverly used set. A lot of moments took me by surprise but were amazing, like the underwater sequence. And I appreciated how they made the characters (especially Max) feel more real so you connected to them more.
I don't think there's a great balance in terms of who the jokes are aimed at - one minute there were jokes aimed at adults with swearing and other times they were very kid-friendly, which just didn't feel right.
11
One of the most joyous, upbeat shows I've seen! I came out of the theatre with the biggest smile on my face. The songs are incredibly catchy, the dialogue is funny, and it has everything that makes the original cartoon so fun.
A few of the songs are forgettable. And there are some references to the original cartoon that those who have never watched it won't get - but as a big fan of SpongeBob I loved these!
12
Such a beautiful show! Made me cry multiple times, and the story is incredibly heartwarming. I love the simplicity of its production design, and how you get to know the characters so well despite there being so many of them and the show being less than 2 hours.
It's so short! Although I respect the fact that this means it doesn't drag on, they tell the story they want to without any waffle or irrelevant detours.
13
The Drifters Girl
Now PlayingThe Drifters Girl
Now PlayingThis show is so good! Obviously the songs were a highlight but other elements like the choreography and lighting design were brilliant too. The fact that there's only 6 actors in the entire show is so impressive, they all do so much!
The insane amount of multi-rolling did get a bit confusing at times, and some elements of the story could have been explained in more detail so things made more sense.
14
A great show from start to finish. Some really catchy songs, enjoyable choreography, and an insanely talented London cast. The story was fascinating, I learnt so much about a band I didn't know anything about before going in!
I feel like they could've done so much more in regards to the set design. The stage often felt empty and bland, without backgrounds or set pieces to make it more visually interesting. It would've been nice to have the musicians on stage for more of the show, since they are so important for the whole feel and music.
15
Hamilton
Now PlayingHamilton
Now PlayingSo cleverly written, some brilliant songs, and an impressive show to watch - especially the choreography of all the dancing segments. An amazing experience on the front row, it's so full on in a great way!
A confusing plot at times, especially in Act 2 when the focus shifts more to politics. A few pacing issues, some sections are boring and seem to drag while others move way too fast.
16
So much fun! An absolute joy to watch.
A bit cheesy (but that's probably why it's so fun), and I thought the story moved too fast so I quickly got confused the first time I saw it. Also slightly repetitive in terms of music, especially given the fact that it's such a short show - but it's such good music that I can forgive it!
17
The Woman in Black
Now PlayingThe Woman in Black
Now PlayingSuch an interesting and engaging show. I was in awe of the stagecraft - how they managed to create so much tension and suspense with such simple lighting and sound design was incredibly impressive. I love how they've kept the original production design for so long!
At times I found the story a bit difficult to follow, especially with all of the multi-rolling.
18
A really interesting, well crafted piece of theatre! So nice to have a totally original British musical for once because you don't get many of those now. A beautiful, emotional story and the minimal set was cleverly used. Also a fantastic cast - seeing the director Julie Atherton as Alex was a highlight!
The songs, while good, were forgettable and all sounded similar. There were constant time shifts back and forth, which did mean I got lost at times, but it was generally done in a way that wasn't confusing.
What is this?
This is Olivia Davey's Dress Circle, A list of shows they've seen in order of preference, use this as a guide for what you should see or why not get involved?