‘Love is an Open Door’ – Frozen, Theatre Royal, 29.09.2021
The day before my 32nd Birthday and after 2 rebooking’s because of Covid, my return back to West End was both exciting and emotional. Having not stepped on London soil for 19 months I was BACK and finally seeing Disney’s brand new musical Frozen!
Frozen is the much loved Disney classic winter spectacular stage adaptation of the 2013 film. The story centers on the relationship between two sisters who are princesses, Elsa and Anna. Elsa has magical powers to freeze objects and people, which she does not know how to control. After inheriting the throne, Elsa flees, inadvertently causes Arendelle kingdom to become frozen in an eternal winter. It is now up to Anna, to help her sister and thaw out not only their home but their hearts. With music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez and book by Jennifer Lee, the animated film comes to life in a icy spectacular, that all ages can enjoy.
I was unsure as to how this production was going to transfer on stage – knowing after I had seen the film that it was going to be the next stage version. But, after seeing Aladdin, I was skeptical on how it would having been disappointed with the changes that brought. But, Frozen did not disappoint there were no removal of characters and no changes to the iconic ones. The set was beautifully done, the effects were impressive (how they did the ending, I will never know!) and what they did add to the story just made it that much more magical – and the additional songs were a great addition. I particularly loved ‘Hygge’ which made sure that the adults got a giggle and the jokes went over the the kids heads!
One thing in particular I adored and regularly do is the puppetry within this production, both Sven and Olaf were brought to life by some amazing puppetry by Michael Curry, which meant the much loved characters were on stage even though Sven portrayed by Ashley Birchall and Mikayla Jade is visually different looking than that the film – he was still there. Something I can’t understand why it couldn’t have been the same of Iago, Abu and Raja… Olaf too, played by Craig Gallivan was just as he should be and warmed all the kiddies hearts in the audience, Craig ensured that not only did he share the character that Josh Gadd created but also made him his own with slight tweaks to ensure he originated his role. Having never done puppetry before also, you could not tell as he hopped, skipped and dance around the stage like he had been doing it for years!
One performer I was very much looking forward to seeing was Oliver Ormson in the role of Hans, having seen him previously in The Addams Family, it was great to see him perform again and this role allowed him to show exactly how good he is, especially his voice during his solo ‘Hans of the Southern Isles’ and dance skills in ‘Love is an Open Door’ this character really allowed him to shine and he made sure he did! You also could tell that he loved the anticipation of whether he would get a boo or cheer at curtain call and that he was enjoying playing the role. On the other side was Kristoff played by Obioma Ugoala, a loveable character with a warm tone to his voice. He really ensured that he was the one for Anna and the love he had for her was very clear his Duo with both Sven and also Anna were greatly executed and I really enjoyed watching him!
Now onto the sisters, Anna and Elsa. Stephanie McKeon and Samantha Barks steal the show as the iconic sisters, Stephanie made sure the quirkiness of Anna was within her character but also her warm heart that made sure we knew she only wanted to do what was best for her sister. Samantha Barks is no stranger to slaying a note, but hearing her renditions of ‘Let it Go‘ and new song ‘Monster‘ gave me goosebumps – she just made it look easy! It was so amazing to finally hear her and see her perform live, she really was and is the perfect actress for the role!
My return to West End was not a disappoint and Disney has once again made a stage production as magical as the film – as how it should be! Frozen is one for all to enjoy and appreciate. But it is also, very much a perfect production for a first time theatre trip for the little ones. They really do get drawn into the magic, and love seeing the many girls dressed up as Anna or Elsa ready to meet their icons!
Frozen plays at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, for Ticket and show information go here.
