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A review from 5D Music & Theatre writer Maria Robertson
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My family are Disney fanatics and we’ve loved both the Frozen movies so when we had a night in London and needed to chose a show the musical version of Frozen was an easy decision.
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Someone was overhead during the interval saying “it’s not like the movie” and they are kinda right, but kinda wrong! Obviously it had to change somewhat in order to work on stage. Olaf is a puppet attached to Craig Gallivan. Elsa and Anna are brought to life by young girls at the beginning and then grown women later in the show, as you’d expect. I have to say the Casting Director James Orange CDG did a fabulous job as Samantha Barks is a stunning Elsa and Emily Lane brings just the right amount of querkiness to Anna.
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Designer Christopher Pram also produced amazing results, the sets are absolutely breathtaking and so cleverly utilised. I must admit I cried when Elsa created her ice palace, it was just so spectacularly shiny!
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Most of the much loved songs are still included, I loved the stage version of Olaf’s “In Summer”; whereas some new songs are featured such as Oeken’s “Hygge”. Music and lyrics are by Kristen Anderson -Lopez and Robert Lopez and the new songs fit in well, whilst giving the musical version it’s unique twists.
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I loved the reactions of the audience, even though we all know the story we all gasped at one part. We were next to a little girl who narrated some of the show, “oh no Olaf is alone” she said in huge dismay, even though we all now he ends up living happily ever after with his princesses and Sven. At the end we were all on our feet clapping and whooping, and the buzz of excited chatter as we left the building was electric.
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I’m trying not to give spoilers of the unique aspects that make the musical so enjoyable, even if you have seen the movie just too many times, but I can assure you it’s totally worthwhile if you get the chance. I suggest buying tickets now and having a perfectly magical evening.
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Official website: https://frozenthemusical.co.uk/
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Maria Robertson is the Chief Music & Theatre Writer for the 5D Pop Culture Website and provides reviews & coverage of local Aberdeen music & theatre gigs. She’s an experienced writer for numerous sources and is a self-confessed live gig addict ever since seeing The Counting Crows at the Barrowlands in 1994.
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