Shop review: Mercado (Teddington, Middlesex, England)

Shop review: Mercado
79 High Street, Town Centre
Teddington, TW11 8HG
Map to Mercado (click here)
020 8973 0808
Review by: Alexa Williamson
Rating: **** (out of 5)

For those who love kitsch, colourful and overall lovely gifts, then look no further than Mercado in Teddington as it is an interesting shop of unique fun gifts and, sometimes, exquisite and rare cards. This shop, in many respects, is very female-oriented as there are a lot of light and bright colours and cards and other things to decorate the home interior. Yet, despite being very “female” the shop is a lot of fun with gifts from anything from soaps and wine/champagne flutes, picture frames, sparkly jewellery and more to cards by companies such as Five Dollar Shake, which are fun because of the Swarovski crystals on them. It’s a nice place to shop as the shop is small so one can get one wants without having to wade through floors and floors like at Debenhams, Harrods or even Fortnum and Mason. Also, the owner is very nice and in my opinion it is an airy space. Worth checking out if you are in Teddington.

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Theatre synopsis: We Will Rock You (West End, London)

Theatre synopsis: We Will Rock You (West End, London)
Synopsis by: Alexa Williamson
Theatre: Dominion Theatre (London)
268-269 Tottenham Court Road
London, W1T 7AQ
Map to Dominion Theatre (click here)

Now at the Dominion Theatre for over 11 years, this is an exciting musical about originality and rebellion on a horrible planet called Planet Mall.

To quote the official site: “It’s a safe, happy, Ga Ga world. Unless you’re a rebel. Unless you want to Rock. On Planet Mall all the musical instruments are banned. The Company Computers generate tunes and everybody downloads them. It is an age of Boy Bands and of Girl Bands. Nothing is left to chance, hits are scheduled years in advance.

But Resistance is growing. Underneath the gleaming cities, down in the lower depths live the Bohemians. Rebels who believe that there was once a Golden Age when the kids formed their own bands and write their own songs. They call that time, The Rhapsody.” And the “Ga Ga Cops” are on the look out for Galileo as he might be able to bring change. The question is, who is Galileo? If you love Queen’s music and rebellion concepts then this may be the one for you!

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Theatre synopsis: Shrek The Musical (West End, London)

Theatre synopsis: Shrek The Musical (West End, London)
Synopsis by: Alexa Williamson
Theatre/Location: Theatre Royal Drury Lane,
Catherine Street, London WC2B 5JF
Map to theatre (click here)

Just like the movie, this is the adventure of Shrek and his faithful steed Donkey on a mission to rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona from her tower that is guarded by a fire breathing, love-sick dragon. Plus there is the diminutive Lord Faraquaad to deal with and other fairytale misfits.

In the musical you’ll find new songs as well as the cult Shrek anthem I’m a Believer. Also the expense spent on the costumes and sets guarantees they are pretty. Check them out both at the theatre and the official website if you are looking to make sure you are getting value for money!

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London area/shopping review: Jermyn Street, London, SW1Y

Shopping review: Jermyn Street, London, SW1Y
Map to Jermyn Street
Review by: Alexa Williamson
Rating: **** (out of 5)

For those who love the quaint things in and about London, then look no further. Jermyn Street is an adorable street with many hat, travel and clothes shops. This is a street of panama hats, antiques, art, travel accessories and unique clothing. You can also find old-fashioned apothecaries and barbers, shoe shops and books. It is also right behind Fortnum and Mason and some interesting, dark books shops (which makes it feel like you are stepping out of one of the Harry Potter films). Jermyn Street is in between Piccadilly Circus and Green Park tubes and backs on to some interesting green squares. It is a lovely, quiet place right in the heart of an over-developed centre. Have fun and enjoy the age and character (before it possibly, also, gets modernised).

Interesting information about the history of the area and its current services and shops, from JermynStreet.net:

“Historically, from 1664, Jermyn Streetʼs shops outfitted the aristocracy at The Court of St Jamesʼs with bespoke shirt makers; tailors; boot makers; hatters: everything for the elegant gentleman. That tradition continues today with Jermyn Street known throughout the world for its shirt makers offering a wide range to suit every age and taste. Now ladies can also find exquisite clothing in many shops and, of course, there are numerous other shops punctuating the street selling jewellery; cigars; fine wine and food, especially cheese; perfume; fine art; objets dʼart and tapestries. As well as outfitters, hatters and boot makers: in fact everything one would expect of the street synonymous with British style, luxury and service.”

Further information:
Jerymn Street (Jermyn Street.net)

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Boutique review: Mela Mela Vintage (Teddington, Middlesex, England)

Boutique review: Mela Mela Vintage
74 High Street, Teddington, TW11 8HG
Map to Mela Mela Vintage (click here)
020 8973 0808
Review by: Alexa Williamson
Rating: ***** (out of 5)

With lovely displays, excellent quality clothing, accessories, jewellery and more, which is all organised and easy to look around – and even better, is extremely fairly priced… there is a lot of positive things to say about this shop. So where do we start? Mela Mela Vintage is a beautiful shop that, even on a sunny, warm day, entices one in to look around and shop as the clothes and other items on display are all put out in an orderly fashion within a light, airy and positive space that allows you to see exactly what you are looking at and for (ie things are not jam-packed to the point where you can’t look at something properly). Plus, after a good browse, the prices are also very reasonable, so if you want a lovely piece of clothing, jewellery, pocketbook or more, you are likely to find it.

According to the manager, fashions range from the 1920s through the 1980s – and they have ladies bathing suits, hats, jewellery, wedding dresses and other lovely vintage pieces. The shop is very tasteful and some of the names that come to mind when looking at the clothing include Jackie Onassis and Audrey Hepburn. You can also find vintage pieces by the likes of Christian Dior at under £200. Cotton summer print dresses, also for example, range in price from £65-150, diamante jewellery can come in around the £20 and shoes and pocketbooks also aren’t too too expensive.

There is a lot to see and shop for here, which is great if you are looking for something vintage to wear casually, on a night out, to a special occasion or more. Plus, the staff are relaxed, knowledgeable and positive although they also give you your space to shop.

Much worth a visit if you want to shop vintage!

Further information:
Mela Mela Vintage (Official site)

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Theatre review: The Lion King (West End, London)

Theatre review: The Lion King (West End, London)
Theatre/Location: Lyceum Theatre
21 Wellington Street, London, WC2E 7RQ
Map to theatre (click here)
Review by: Alexa Williamson
Rating: ****1/2 (out of 5)

For those who like the movie, poignant stories and beautiful, inspired and creative musicals, then look no further as Lion King, despite its conglomerate/consortium backing, is an amazingly crafted artwork that is not only likable, fun and funny, but also unique, elegant and transcending. Set in Africa, this is the story of the Lion Cub Simba, who goes against adversity to claim his rightful place as Lion King of the pride that he was brought up with.

Although this might be a branded (ie Disney) production, the money spent on the show is used well and the costumes, sets, puppets, choreography and stage direction are all lots of fun and fascinating to take in. (Ie this is not only an uplifting, feel good production but you also learn alot.) But, why does this musical do so well compared to others that might also have big-name producers? It is because, mainly, of the ingenuity of its director Julie Taymor (who also does costume design, and mask/puppet co-design and even extra lyrics) – and also music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice help. But, it is, indeed, Taymor’s direction, the puppets, costumes and acting/dancing (choreography by Garth Fagan) that really carry the production and bring you in to a mystical African world – that of the Lion King.

Further information:
The Lion King (IMDB)
The Lion King (Wikipedia)

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Theatre review: Mamma Mia! (West End, London)

Theatre review: Mamma Mia! (West End, London)
Theatre/location: Until 1 September 2012 – Prince of Wales Theatre, Coventry Street, London W1D 6AS, Then from 6 September 2012: Novello Theatre, Aldwych, London WC2B 4LD
Review by: Alexa Williamson
Rating: ** 1/2 (out of 5)

If you love all things Abba, well, then you are bound to love this show. If not, then it is a bit hard to put up with. The story by Catherine Johnson is simple but actually fairly lovable in a chick-lit fashion. Set on a Greek Isle just before Sophie’s wedding, this is the story of the daughter and mother trying to find the daughter’s real father before the wedding so that he can give her away. With music by Abba’s Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, there are a lot of fun Abba numbers including Dancing Queen, The Winner Takes It All, Knowing Me, Knowing You, Take A Chance on Me, Money, Money, Money and more.  So, what’s the problem? The problem is the sets are very basic –  and the issue how can one portray a Greek Isle in a London theatre? Maybe if it was a bit more creative it would work, but it doesn’t. The songs and costumes are a fairly good distraction but not fantastic so, therefore, the show suffers.

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Theatre review: The Woman in Black (West End, London)

Theatre review: The Woman in Black
Theatre/Location: The Fortune Theatre,
Russell Street, Covent Garden WC2B 5HH
Map to Fortune Theatre (click here)
Review by: Alexa Williamson
Rating: ***1/2 (out of 5)

Written by Susan Hill, this classic book, play and movie is a thriller-ghost story worth catching for the sheer spookiness factor that is created from the dialogue and plot line. For the play, the set is minimal  and it relies on the the script, direction, lighting and acting to create the reality of this piece.

Running since 1989, this is the story of Arthur Kipps, a lawyer who was requested by his employer to go to Crythin Gifford, a small market town on the East coast of the United Kingdom to attend the funeral of Mrs Alice Drablow a reclusive widow who lived alone in the desolate and secluded mansion Eel Marsh House.

Within the play, we not only meet Kipps but a variety of characters played by an “actor”. The actor is meant to help the now aged Kipps determine what exactly happened at Eel Marsh House, why it became desolate and who was the “Woman in Black” who haunted the house and the town.

 If you love a tense play, you will love this piece.

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Theatre review: Wicked (London, West End)

Theatre review: Wicked
Theatre/location: Apollo Victoria Theatre, Wilton Road, London
SW1V 1LG
Map to theatre (click here)
Review by: Alexa Williamson
Rating: **** (out of 5)

For those who love the singing, dancing and costumes of the Wizard of Oz (which originally starred Judy Garland as Dorothy in the television musical version), then look no further than this beautiful musical for further inspiration and fun. Wicked is a very pretty and light production. It does not have the depth of the original musical but is a lovely creation, because, in the same vein as the original, it has beautiful costumes, sets and a lot of jokes and light humour (this, also, is why it isn’t as deep).

Based on Gregory Maguire’s acclaimed 1995 novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, this is the story of Glinda the Good Witch and Elphaba, who later becomes known as the Wicked Witch of the West – with the story mainly taking place as they both attend school. With lots of singing and dancing, costume changes and glitter, we learn what shapes both of them before they take their places in The Wizard of Oz.

Also the winner of the 2010 Olivier Award for Most Popular Show, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, it is definitely worth stepping in to Oz one more time!

Further information:
Wicked: the Musical

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Theatre synopsis: Abigail’s Party (West End, London)

Theatre synopsis:  Abigail’s Party (West End, London)
Theatre/Location: Wyndham’s Theatre,
32 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0DA
Map to theatre (click here)
Synopsis by: Alexa Williamson

Written by Mike Leigh and set in East London/Essex, this is a poignant and funny play about the different things that different social classes and people will do to get ahead, as well as a look at Britain in the late 1970s.

Beverly Moss has decided to have a party and has invited her new neighbours, Angela and Tony, who moved into her road just two weeks ago, over for drinks. She has also invited her divorced neighbour Susan, whose fifteen-year-old daughter Abigail is holding a party back in their house. And, Beverly’s husband Laurence also attends the party, although he comes home late from work, just before the guests arrive.

As more and more alcohol is served, we learn a lot about the characters and their lives – and in this way, we learn about the mindset of Britain in the late Seventies. Besides the cultural picture we view, Laurence, also, suffers a heart attack and the emotion felt from a well-formed character dying is like a stab with a knife.

Overall, Leigh’s play not only paints an excellent portrait of the genre of lower and upper middle class Britain of the time (as well as general attitudes and beliefs) but also, is an exciting feast for the eyes as we look back at the furnishings and clothing of the period. This is one of Leigh’s most famous works, besides the film Secrets and Lies. Much worth seeing!

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