Wednesday 29 June 2016

Jade Ewen: West End Princess -The Voice

LEADING LADY: Jade Ewen [Photo credit: Helen Maybanks]
EVERY YOUNG girl grows up wanting to be a Disney princess.
With an unlimited supply of stunning dresses, a Prince Charming to call your own and the promise of happily ever after, what’s not to love?
Former Sugababe Jade Ewen has had one of her childhood wishes granted as she takes on the part of sassy Princess Jasmine in the screen-to-stage adaptation of the Disney classic Aladdin at Prince Edward Theatre in London. One week in, she’s has already won rave reviews.
The 1992 animation was formative stuff for Ewen, who still remembers the first time she watched Jasmine on her television screen.
“I just love Aladdin,” she told The Voice.
“I love the songs, I love the magic and I love Jasmine. Jasmine was so exotic and she was the first princess I saw who slightly resembled me,” says the actress, who was born to a Jamaican mother and a Scottish-Sicilian father.
“But I never ever dreamed that I would be playing her - and I remember when I heard about the audition for it, I was too scared to allow myself to get excited about the possibility... because it’s so, so tough.
“Just to book a leading lady role… it’s not an easy thing to do. So when they told me I’d got it, I screamed. I screamed and screamed and I couldn’t believe it. It’s more than I could have asked for.”
With 108 costume changes in two minutes in just one song, more than 2.8 million crystals used, and a real life flying carpet, Aladdin is certainly the biggest show in the West End right now.

DISNEY MAGIC: Jade Ewen as Jasmine with co-star Dean John-Wilson as Aladdin [Photo credit: Helen Maybanks © Disney and Deen van Meer © Disney]
“It doesn’t get more glamorous and opulent than this,” Ewen gushes. “It’s stunning. It’s going to be an incredible experience for the audience.”
The 28-year-old first came into the public eye as a Eurovision hopeful - finishing fifth in 2009 and making her the UK’s most successful act in the last 12 years.
Before that, Ewen, who replaced Keisha Buchanan in Sugababes in September 2009 before the group officially split in 2011, actually started her performance career in West End’s The Lion King where she played a young Nala.
“Disney has always been a massive part of the reason why I perform, because it was my introduction to musical theatre,” she enthuses.
“Growing up, my two favourite Disney films were The Lion King and Aladdin, so I’ve managed to do them both now.
She adds: “Coming back to the West End is nice, it’s like a homecoming.”
Ewen grew up in Plaistow, east London, with her two siblings and her parents who both suffer from severe disabilities.
Her father, Trevor is blind and partially deaf and her mother, Carol, is partially blind. As the eldest of three children, Ewen was largely responsible for the day-to-day running of family life.

POP PRINCESSES: The Disney star (left) with Heidi Range (centre) and Amelle Berrabah as part of the Sugababes
But as her performing career kicked off, and she became more successful, she wasn’t able to spend much time at home.
“It’s a complicated thing really - I always felt like my parents wanted to see me succeed. They struggled with not having the best opportunities in life because of their disabilities. So my parents really stressed that I made the best of every opportunity I was given and talent I was born with,” she explains.
“The way I see it, if I’m successful, I’m able to help them more. I may not have been there physically, but I feel like, while pursuing this career, I am able to support them more than before. You do feel a little guilty about not helping out with the day-to-day stuff, but then I feel quite proud that I can take care of them in the long-term.”
The Londoner, who says she’d loved to portray the late Donna Summers in a biopic of the Queen of Disco’s life, adds: “I have to say, though, that being a young carer has more positives than negatives for me in my life. It made me stronger than I realise. I can get the job done, which is really useful in my line of work – where I have to focus and the hours can sometimes be gruelling. And I didn’t miss out, it wasn’t a bad experience – it helped me overcome obstacles.”
Jade Ewen plays Princess Jasmine in West End’s Aladdin. For more information, visit: www.aladdinthemusical.co.uk

Friday 17 June 2016

Aladdin review: A dazzling Disney pantomime with a show-stopping genie ★★★★

Aladdin review: A dazzling Disney pantomime with a show-stopping genie ★★★★

Aladdin review: A dazzling Disney pantomime with a show-stopping genie ★★★★
By 
Even the man behind The Book of Mormon must have quailed a little at the prospect of turning the 1992 animation into a musical. There are the logistical challenges: the magic carpet, the secret cave stuffed with gems and gold, the materialising and dematerialising genie. But the real head-scratcher must have been casting the Genie: How could anyone step into the shoes of the late, great Robin Williams?
Wisely, director/choreographer Casey Nicholaw hasn’t attempted to imitate Williams. His genie also steals the show but he’s a different beast in the hands of US actor Trevor Dion Nicholas, who was the Genie standby on Broadway for a year. Nicholas’s head twinkles like a disco ball and he lights up the stage with his jolly flamboyance. His song Friend Like Me pulls almost every trick in the theatrical book and won him a standing ovation on Monday night.
Trevor Dion Nicholas as the Genie
Bar the odd Bruce Forsyth and Tommy Cooper gag, the West End version is the same as the Broadway hit, even down to the American accents. Yet the first half in particular plays out like an awfully British pantomime, although the actors stop short of chucking sweets into the audience and inviting us to boo the baddie.


The leads are both Brits: Dean John-Wilson plays a wholesome Aladdin, while Jade Ewen is a feisty Jasmine with a silken voice. As the Genie notes in a new prologue, they’re supported by a very good-looking ensemble who sing and dance their hearts out in teeny but dazzling costumes. The secret cave is indeed awash with gold and also got a round of applause.
New songs pad out the original score. The best of these is High Adventure, thanks to the physical tomfoolery of Aladdin’s trio of pals who have replaced his pet monkey Abu. Happily, barely a word of Jafar and Iago’s deliciously evil double-act has been changed (Iago is a human, not a wisecracking parrot, but otherwise is every inch Gilbert Gottfried who voiced him in the movie).
As for the magic carpet, it lives up to its name. In fact, it doesn’t just circumnavigate the globe this time; it flies into space and there’s not a string or a pulley to be spied.
Aladdin is at Prince Edward Theatre until October

Thursday 16 June 2016

The purple carpet was covered in stars to see Jade Ewen on the opening night of Aladdin

Tom Fletcher and wife Giovanna show off their sense of style in biker jackets as they enjoy a glam date night at star-studded Aladdin opening

They're proud parents of two boys.
But McFly star Tom Fletcher and his author wife Giovanna enjoyed a night for two on Wednesday, hitting the opening night of Aladdin at the Prince Edward Theatre in London.
The stylish pair cosied up on the purple carpet before heading inside for their theatrical date night.

Date night: McFly star Tom Fletcher and his author wife Giovanna enjoyed a night for two on Wednesday, hitting the opening night of Aladdin at the Prince Edward Theatre in London
Date night: McFly star Tom Fletcher and his author wife Giovanna enjoyed a night for two on Wednesday, hitting the opening night of Aladdin at the Prince Edward Theatre in London
Giovanna, who welcomed her second son with Tom, baby Buddy in February, looked gorgeous in a floral print jacket.
She kept the rest of her look simple, highlighting her trim figure in a black top and skinny jeans.
A pair of brown suede ankle boots and a chic blue tote bag were the finishing touches.
Tom meanwhile was looking very much the rock star in his leather jacket teamed with a pair of tight skinny jeans and a white t-shirt.
All dressed up: Giovanna, who welcomed her second son with Tom, baby Buddy in February, looked gorgeous in a floral print jacket
All dressed up: Giovanna, who welcomed her second son with Tom, baby Buddy in February, looked gorgeous in a floral print jacket
Dapper pair: Tom  was looking very much the rockstar in his leather jacket teamed with tight skinny jeans
Dapper pair: Tom was looking very much the rockstar in his leather jacket teamed with tight skinny jeans
The talented couple, who met at Sylvia Young Theatre School, couldn't wait to check out London's latest musical.
Giovanna posted a selfie of the couple with their programmes on Instagram, alongside the caption: 'Excited doesn't even cover it!!!' 
Tom and Giovanna, also parents to two-year-old Buzz, were joined by a host of famous faces at the opening night.  
Corrie star Katherine Kelly was a vision of beauty as she cuddled up to husband Ryan Clark.
'Excited!' The talented couple, who met at Sylvia Young Theatre School, couldn't wait to check out London's latest musical
'Excited!' The talented couple, who met at Sylvia Young Theatre School, couldn't wait to check out London's latest musical

Tom Fletcher says being a dad has helped with eating disorder

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Adorned with intricate patterns and in a baby blue shade that complemented her tanned complexion, Katherine dazzled in her eye-catching gown.
Sheathing her lithe frame beneath the billowing fabric, Katherine added some extra glamour with a large gold clutch bag, whilst she wore a delicate bangle on her wrist. 
Sweeping her golden locks into a half up style, the mum-of-one looked effortlessly glamorous as she headed into the event. 
Blooming lovely! Katherine Kelly made a bold fashion statement in a floral off-the-shoulder maxi dress as she joined husband Ryan Clark for the opening night of Aladdin at the Prince Edward Theatre
Blooming lovely! Katherine Kelly made a bold fashion statement in a floral off-the-shoulder maxi dress as she joined husband Ryan Clark for the opening night of Aladdin at the Prince Edward Theatre
Showstopper: Standing out against the purple carpet, the 36-year-old actress was a vision of beauty
Chic: Katherine oozed glamour
Showstopper: Standing out against the purple carpet, the 36-year-old actress was a vision of beauty
Blue-tiful: Adorned with intricate patterns and in a baby blue shade that complemented her tanned complexion, Katherine dazzled in the eye-catching gown as she snuggled up to her husband of three years 
Blue-tiful: Adorned with intricate patterns and in a baby blue shade that complemented her tanned complexion, Katherine dazzled in the eye-catching gown as she snuggled up to her husband of three years 
Top of the frocks: Sheathing her lithe frame beneath the billowing fabric, Katherine added some extra glamour with a large gold clutch bag, whilst she wore a delicate bangle on her wrist
Top of the frocks: Sheathing her lithe frame beneath the billowing fabric, Katherine added some extra glamour with a large gold clutch bag, whilst she wore a delicate bangle on her wrist
Blonde beauty: Sweeping her golden locks into a half up style, the mum-of-one looked effortlessly glamorous as she headed into the event
Dazzling: All eyes were on her
Blonde beauty: Sweeping her golden locks into a half up style, the mum-of-one looked effortlessly glamorous as she headed into the event
Night off: Katherine and Ryan were no doubt enjoying a night in adult company after welcoming their daughter Orla in 2014
Night off: Katherine and Ryan were no doubt enjoying a night in adult company after welcoming their daughter Orla in 2014
Katherine Kelly Lang and boyfriend at Daytime Emmys in 2015

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Katherine and Ryan were no doubt enjoying a night in adult company after welcoming their daughter Orla in 2014. 
Speaking about motherhood, the Mr Selfridge star revealed that having a child had a profound effect on her emotions, telling the Daily Mail's You magazine: 'I get weepy even watching the news. 
'I agree with my mother that having children removes a layer of skin that you never grow back.' 
Treat from the East-ender: Turning heads at the event was actress Preeya Kalidas who showed off her phenomenal figure in a floor length black gown that was adorned in lace
Treat from the East-ender: Turning heads at the event was actress Preeya Kalidas who showed off her phenomenal figure in a floor length black gown that was adorned in lace

Finishing touches: A small black clutch finished off the look
Back to black: Showing off her tiny waist with sheer panels, the gown also featured a plunging neckline which flashed her ample cleavage. Injecting some colour into her ensemble, she layered up in a cream jacket
She added: ‘Orla’s full of energy – we have to take her out at least twice a day to burn it off. 
‘Becoming a mother has turned my world upside down, but in a really good way – it’s the best.’
But there was no better place to take a break from caring for the baby than the star-studded Aladdin premiere where Katherine and Ryan rubbed shoulders with a host of celebrities. 
Lacy lady! Jenni Falconer dazzled in a lemon lace dress that showed off her tanned and toned legs as she joined her husband James Midgley on the purple carpet 
Lacy lady! Jenni Falconer dazzled in a lemon lace dress that showed off her tanned and toned legs as she joined her husband James Midgley on the purple carpet 
Two of a kind: Christopher Biggins made a bold style statement, donning a black jacket with diamante embellishment across the cuffs and lapels as he cosied up to Neil Sinclair who looked dapper in blue 
Two of a kind: Christopher Biggins made a bold style statement, donning a black jacket with diamante embellishment across the cuffs and lapels as he cosied up to Neil Sinclair who looked dapper in blue 
Also turning heads at the event was Preeya Kalidas who showed off her phenomenal figure in a floor length black gown that was adorned in lace. 
Showing off her tiny waist with sheer panels, the gown also featured a plunging neckline which flashed her ample cleavage. 
Injecting some colour into her ensemble, she layered up in a cream cropped jacket with floral embroidery whilst a small black clutch finished off the look. 
Dapper dudes: Luke Evans looked effortlessly stylish in a blue shirt and grey jacket that he teamed with slimline navy chinos
Dapper dudes: Rufus Hound stood out from the crowds in a purple velvet jacket
Dapper dudes: Luke Evans looked effortlessly stylish in a blue shirt and grey jacket that he teamed with slimline navy chinos whilst Rufus Hound stood out from the crowds in a purple velvet jacket
Leaf it out: Cynthia Erivo turned heads in an eye-catching metallic gown with floral embellishment 
Leaf it out: Cynthia Erivo turned heads in an eye-catching metallic gown with floral embellishment 


Suited and booted: Andrew Scott opted for a muted blazer and grey trousers whilst Ricky Wilson looked dapper in navy 
Glamorous: Lucy St Louis oozed elegance in a black and purple gown that skimmed the floor as she walked 
Glamorous: Lucy St Louis oozed elegance in a black and purple gown that skimmed the floor as she walked 
All the colours of the rainbow: Linzi Stoppard and Vanessa Fletz also put on very colourful sartorial displays on the purple carpet
All the colours of the rainbow: Linzi Stoppard and Vanessa Fletz also put on very colourful sartorial displays on the purple carpet
All the colours of the rainbow: Linzi Stoppard and Vanessa Fletz also put on very colourful sartorial displays on the purple carpet
Also cutting an elegant figure on the night was Jenni Falconer, who dazzled in a lemon lace dress that showed off her tanned and toned legs. 
The boys also held their own in the style stakes, with Luke Evans looking effortlessly stylish in a blue shirt and grey jacket that he teamed with slimline navy chinos. 
Christopher Biggins also made a bold style statement, donning a black jacket with diamante embellishment across the cuffs and lapels.  
Changing roles! Former Sugababe Jade Ewen looked every inch the regal beauty, as she took to the stage in her role as Princess Jasmine
Changing roles! Former Sugababe Jade Ewen looked every inch the regal beauty, as she took to the stage in her role as Princess Jasmine


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3643917/Tom-Fletcher-wife-Giovanna-sense-style-biker-jackets-enjoy-glam-date-night-star-studded-Aladdin-opening.html#ixzz4BjQjwdju
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