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Hips don’t lie…
Don’t worry, I’m not about to launch into a rant about the effect pregnancy has on your figure or discuss ‘birthing hips’! Instead this week I had the great opportunity to catch new Cuban dance production Ballet Revolución.
When an invitation dropped into my mailbox, it didn’t take long for me to decide my response – hot, bare-chested dancers flexing their toned limbs to the sounds of Ricky Martin and Shakira? – count me in!
The Sadler’s Wells production running at London’s Peacock Theatre is fairly far removed from any typical night at the ballet, but not completely, as these dancers clearly have the skills to compete with any top ballet company. And instead of pirouettes, tutus and scrapped back buns, it was more a case of pirouettes, hip thrusts, hotpants and dreadlocks to a soundtrack of Ricky Martin’s She Bangs and Shakira’s Hips Don’t Lie, not to mention some more recent hits such as Chris Brown’s Yeah 3x and Beyonce’s If I Were a Boy, performed by a talented live band.
The tempo of the production continued to pick up pace throughout the performance brilliantly showcasing the mix of ballet, contemporary and hip hop. By the end of the night, it was hard not to want to join in and shake a hip or two.
At the Peacock Theatre, London until May 19 – definitely worth booking a ticket!
The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ The Musical – competition
HANDS up who remembers reading The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole as a child?
Well now the much-loved novel by Sue Townsend has been adapted into a stage musical and is running at London’s Ambassadors Theatre – and you could be there watching it with your family!
Set in 1980s Leicester, the adaptation of the best-selling book is described as ‘a timeless tale of teenage angst, family struggles and unrequited love, told through the eyes of tortured poet and misunderstood intellectual Adrian Mole.’
For a chance to win a family of four ticket, all you have to do is sign up to follow my blog via email and follow my Instagram account @themediamummy for an additional entry.
Sue Townsend’s The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13¾ – The Musical runs until 12 October 2019
Ambassadors Theatre, West Street, London WC2H 9ND
Terms and conditions – Ticket competition for a family of four ticket to be redeemed on a Monday-Thursday show, subject to availability during July & August. Name to be drawn on Thursday 27 June, 11pm (UK time).
Review: Barbie Spy Squad
Barbie is well known for having a catalogue of careers, and this time around the blonde one hits cinema screens as the star of her very own movie, in the guise of a super spy.
The action begins when Barbie and her gymnast pals are recruited for their skills to apprehend a jewel thief, learning along the way the values of teamwork, friendship and that believing in yourself always brings you closer to success.
Attending a preview screening with an overexcited five year old – and life-long Barbie fan – I have to say my daughter’s attention was held from start to finish. And while I may have had to contend with the little one jumping across the sofa and rolling around the living room floor, I also caught her taking a deep breath and closing her eyes when she was having trouble with a task at home – just like Barbie does in the film to visualise herself completing a complicated jump.. These kids pick up so much more than we think!
And of course, as expected, there’s a range of undercover agent toys from Mattel to go with the film. One guess what she’ll be waiting for her birthday present this year…
Another singer turned fashion designer – Rihanna for River Island…
So after much anticipation, the Bajan singer’s debut collection for high street brand River Island finally took to the catwalk for all to see.
And while there were no fireworks, the earth didn’t move and no major fashion boundaries were broken, I can safely say the controversial star, who is never out of the headlines, can rest assured she’s created a collection that stays true to her own personal style.
With streamlined silhouettes, both tight-fitting jersey and flowing summer dresses, jumpsuits and the obligatory midrift bearing tops – as well as a couple of see-through items – everything gracing the catwalk was something you could picture Rihanna wearing herself.
I’m not sure, being in my 30-something years, I’m the the target audience for the collection, but love or hate Rihanna (I’ve personally gone from loving her to finding her on/off situation with Chris Brown totally annoying) – even I would be happy to buy one or two pieces from the collection.
It was also nice to see Rihanna having some support from the ‘celebrity world’, with everyone from model-of-the-moment Cara Delevingne, Jaime Winstone, V V Brown, The Saturdays’ Rochelle Humes and Mollie King, sitting front row. And the likes of Made In Chelsea’s Rosie Fortescue and Proudlock having to stand with the regular people (slient snigger) to watch the show. But there were cheers all round when a shy-looking Rihanna took to the stage to stand with models wearing her designs.
The collection hits the stores next month in March and then it’ll be up to the public and the sound of the cash registers to decide on its success…