” A King, A Queen, a Club, a Knave…One is Destined for the Grave.” – Murder Ballard, Arts Theatre, London. 16.11.2016 + 30.11.2016

With the announcement of a new Rock Musical coming to the Arts Theatre, and starring some top West End Stars, I would have been stupid if I did not jump at the chance to see this musical, and was delighted that a fellow blogger friend accepted my invitation to join me. I had found a great deal where tickets were only £25 so again how could we say no!

Murder Ballard is a New Rock sung through musical, created by Julia Jordan, and Juliana Nash. The show tells the tale of Sara, who although married to a good man Michael, has an affair with a past high-school love Tom. When coming to her senses, she calls it off, but Tom’s obsession grows, and ends with a murder…I wont inform you of whose life comes to an end, but I will say it surprised me.

After a lovely meal, and catch up we took our seats. I was surprised however at our view, when purchasing our tickets Row B seats 13, and 14, there was no indication that our view was restrictive in anyway, however due to the staging of the production we discovered that the stage was raised to accompany the rotating circle (as you can see from the photo). With this in place whenever the performers were lying down, (‘in Bed’) we couldn’t see them…So I was a little annoyed that we weren’t aware of this when I was purchasing my ticket as I would have then decided on seats that were a little further back so I was a little more level with the stage. But besides this I couldn’t flaunt being close to the performers, and when Ramin has his top off, well there were no complaints from either of us!

Now onto the cast:

Sara – Natalie Mcqueen (Alternate)

Michael – Norman Bowman

Tom – Ramin Karimloo

Narrator – Victoria Hamilton-Barritt

Swing – Matthew Harvey, and Natalie Law

Unfortunately again when purchasing tickets the website (although other sites did state this) I was using, I was made unaware that Kerry Ellis would not be performing tonight due to being in a Concert in Birmingham. Sarah had found out earlier in the day, but I wasn’t disheartened once I saw Natalie Mcqueen perform, although Kerry can be seen as a hard act to follow, but Natalie’s beautiful rock singing voice was a perfect fit to Sara’s songs, and her journey through her tale, and self destruction was perfectly displayed.  I did feel at times that as she looks quite younger than the rest of the cast, she looked out of place but nevertheless she made the part her own, and you was a delight to watch.

The two actors within the musical, Ramin, and Norman, were both strong in their roles, Ramin’s Tom was perfect, his deep rock voice, and character was spot on to suit the self-important, if not arrogant personality. I guess I also can’t not mention his very good looks helped too. Norman takes on the sweet, loving, wants what’s best for his family husband persona brilliantly, but also although he seems to turn a blind eye to his wife’s affair, you can tell how heartbroken he becomes when it comes to light, and how much he really loved Sara. You sympathised with him completely, and respected his final choice. His voice also had a powerful if not warming tone to it, and it was soothing to listen to. I was also happy to have met him after the show.

Victoria, took on the role of the Narrator and how I have only just heard of this actress is such a surprise, and I’m sure she will be in many shows to come.  Her voice is another that is a delight to listen to, and well suited to the rock numbers, her quirky take to the character was enjoyable to watch.

I came away from this show humming the many numbers from the soundtrack, and I was delighted that I can purchase the cd on iTunes…to which I did straight away. Although the story of Love, obsession, adultery, and guilt is one that is known to many the music throughout is worth the visit, and now the soundtrack has been repeated on car, and train journey’s many times, however I would be lying if I didn’t wish it was the London cast singing in my ears than ones I have not seen before.

‘Murder Ballard’ is on a limited run at the Arts Theatre till the 3rd December, tickets are still available here, and I wish that I had seen it earlier in its run than towards the end, as I would like to see it again, and view Kerry’s portrayal of Sara.

1st December 2016:

So little did I know that when Cyber Monday comes along TodayTix will be doing their own special sale. When I saw tickets available for Murder Ballard for £15.00 again how could I say no…so on my final day at work before my 6 day holiday, I trekked it over to London.

This time I decided to take my advice and go a little higher, there were no available seats in the stalls, so I was this time Row E seat 10 up in the circle, and the view was a lot better (as you can see from the photo), I could see all the action throughout, and even noticed moments I had missed the first time round, like how they portrayed the final scene and death, it was very cleverly thought out.

As it was its final week, I was also delighted to know that Kerry Ellis was back in the role of Sara, I was finally going to see her after so many years when I saw her as Meatloaf in WWRY. Her voice like Natalie was well suited for the role, and when performing alongside her co performers it looked a lot more real as they were very similar in stage. Kerry brought character into Sara, and although I know she would never act on what her character did, being a mother herself you couldn’t flaunt her breakdown, and self destruction, it just felt very real. I was so happy that I managed to see her perform, and even more happier that I managed to catch before she was rushing out the theatre (to get back to her little one).

As I was by myself I decided to stay behind and meet everyone else, it was a delight to finally meet them all and also see Norman again. Its sad that it is in its final week, but I hope it does return, Ramin has admitted that he would love to perform the role again, and I would defiantly love him to too. One can only hope but I’m not going to wait as long as I did to get tickets!

Thank you for two unforgettable evenings.