It's Showtime!!! - Theatre Review - A Chorus Line.

Hi!!!

If you read THIS post from earlier in the week, you'll know that I went to see four plays/shows in London a few weeks ago, which means theatre reviews galore for you. I'm sorry if theatre's not your thing, but it's mine, and that's what matters to me. So, sorry, I'm not sorry...

Before I begin I just want to say that it might seem like I think every show is brilliant and worth a viewing. However, this isn't the case. I would never tell you to go and see something that I didn't think was worth your time or hard earned cash. There will be times when I tell you not to go and see something , as well as times when I say you *have* to go and see something. These reviews contain my 100% honest opinion and just because something isn't my thing, doesn't mean it won't be yours, these reviews are for advice only. 

A Chorus Line was actually the third show of the week, but I decided to just review it before the second show... Living on the edge...

A Chorus Line is at the London Palladium on Argyll Street, which is just off Oxford Street. The London Palladium is such an iconic theatre and A Chorus Line is a rather well known musical. I was very excited to go and see it. The show was first performed in 1975 on Broadway. There is a film of A Chorus Line, which is based on the play, from the 1985, however I haven't seen it so I won't be able to compare - apologies.

So...

 

What is it about?

 

Auditions are underway for a brand new musical on Broadway. It's the opportunity of a lifetime. It’s the one opportunity for the auditionees to do what they’ve always dreamed of. It's their opportunity to dance...

Under pressure from the pushy and demanding director, the hopefuls share the events that have moulded their lives and why tell us they chose to become dancers.

 

The stories featured in A Chorus Line are based on true stories. 

 

What did I think?

 

I have to be completely honest, it's not the best show I've seen. I did enjoy all of it, I thought it was very good, but I wasn't mad about it.
 

I love the concept, the idea and what it stands for. I think the idea of going behind it all, behind the costumes, the set and behind the curtains is brilliant. However, I don't think that it all translated very well.

I found parts funny, I found parts a bit thought provoking but overall, I just wasn't keen.

I think the main reason I wasn't the biggest fan of the show was that it wasn't quite what I expected.

I think that the actors all did a good job, don't get me wrong there and they were all very good singers and dancers.

I wasn't that it was too deep - I love deep, thought provoking plays. And it wasn't massively feel good either. It wasn't even particularly "in the middle". It was just kind of "there" in terms of emotion.

 

I think I just expected it to be a bit more "jazzy" and "snazzy" and just in general rather "in-your-face-non-stop-something..." - and it wasn't.

I wouldn't go back and I don't want to say anymore because I don't want this to be a negative zone because I know that some people will have loved this show. I'm sorry I'm not one of them.

What did other people think?

The person I went with said that she found it frustrating. She said that they found it frustrating because she kept waiting for it "to begin" and it never did for her, (and I have to agree).

When I asked if any of the actors stood out for her, she said that although over all, they were all very good, none of them really stood out and held their own.

 

I also did my typical eavesdrop. Some people really liked it, some people weren't too keen. Nobody said anything like, "That was brilliant!!!!", and there is almost always somebody who says that at a show - unless it's awful! So, although people enjoyed it, nobody was mad keen.

 

Would I recommend it?

 

Personally, I wouldn't recommend it. However, it might be your thing, I mean, someone's got to like it, since it's been running for so long. It just isn't something I would recommend.

It might be your thing, it might not, so if you are thinking about going, I'd read some more reviews first.

 

When can you go and see it?

 

A Chorus Line is running until 31st August 2014 at The London Palladium on Argyll Street, just off Oxford Street, London. Also, a tour of the show in Europe is being planned to begin in Autumn 2014 so keep an eye out if you're interested.

 

The final notes...

 

If you choose to go, then the list below will be of assistance to you.

• As I always instruct, dress smart casually if you can out of respect for everyone involved.
• There is no interval in this show, so no ice-cream at the theatre so be sure to order dessert after your dinner!
• There are binoculars by every seat, so if you don't get good seats, then no matter. 

 

I hope you've enjoyed this post guys, I'm sorry to put out a negative review, but I really just wouldn't want you to waste your money on something. If you've seen this show, then what did you think? Did you agree with me? Or not? And if you have anything else to say in the comments, then do feel free to type away!

 

I hope your day is great!

 

GingerSnaps xxx



Home is Where The Heart Is - Home Inspiration and Interior Design Ideas - Shabby Chic Bedroom.

Hi!!!

Today, I've dedicated some time to my blog. Today, I came in, I sat down with a cup of tea and thought, I'll write a blog post or two. Pride and Prejudice (the TV series version) is on telly in the background and I'm armed with a brew, some Cadbury Mini Animals and a very comfy armchair and I'm ready to write...

 

This is a very different post from anything I have done on this blog before. It's not something I planned to post about when I began this blog but I think that it might make for an interesting post. This post is an interiors post. Recently, we've been considering moving house - we've seen one that we really like and are thinking of putting an offer in. This opens up so many doors in terms of interior design because we'll no doubt end up redecorating every room in the house. We'll be bringing up the carpets, stripping the wallpaper and moving our furniture in. Because we'd already be redecorating, I can go ideas mad in terms of paint swatches, curtain patterns and wallpaper patterns. This excites me. The room which I'm most excited to decorate my bedroom. I know exactly what I want it to look like and how I want it to be.

 

I love the "Shabby Chic" style. It's right up my street and is the perfect mix of my lovely colours, gorgeous fabrics and beautiful furniture. I know in my head exactly what I want my bedroom to look like and "Shabby Chic" is it.

The Colour Scheme.

The Shabby Chic colour scheme is made up mostly of whites and creams with accents of soft toned peaches, delicate greens, sky blue, gentle greys, dainty salmon pinks and mild lavenders. Dreamy...

Furniture and Accessories.

Wooden furniture features a lot and the main choice is distressed white wood.

 

 

Credit.

 

 

I'd simply love a Rattan Headboard if I can get my hands on one... And if not another "Parisian" style headboard - back to the white wood again (re-edit: saw the perfect white wooden headboard today, so I've now got two options - yay!).

 

 

Credit.

I'd love also Bunting and Scatter Cushions (Lee Evans fans...) to feature as an accessory, with the bunting hung from different spaces of the room but meeting at one central point. As well, I'd love to include fairy lights, twig lights and lots of candles - I know it seems like it, but I'm not planning a fire hazard - promise.

Something I'd really love to do is have a quote/quotes or lyrics or a saying painted above my bed. If you have any ideas for that, then do let me know in the comments.

Just so you know, I do want wardrobes and a dressing table but, you know, bit obvious and not as fun as other stuff to be honest is it?



I'll also be including all of my old Hollywood movie prints and my two favourite Audrey Hepburn stills in the room.

The Final Notes.

And that's all for today my lovelies.  I hope this has inspired you in some way, been interesting and that you enjoyed this post.
If you have any ideas of your own that you'd like to share, please do or any comments or questions to do with this post, and I'll do my best to answer them all. And I'll be sure to give you a room tour once it's all complete - even though we haven't even secured this house yet...

Have a fabulous day.

GingerSnaps xxx

All Things Bright and Beauty-ful! - Beauty Product Review - NARS Sheer Glow Foundation Review.

Hi!!!

If you read THIS post a little while ago, you'll know that I treated myself to NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Mont Blanc. I'd been eyeing this foundation up for absolutely ages and one of the reasons I was so interested in this foundation was because of all the brilliant reviews that it had from all the wonderful bloggers and YouTube beauty gurus. So, I thought since I used their reviews as an excuse to buy this product, I thought I'd write one so that you can use mine as an excuse to purchase it, as well as all the others.

 

 

The Product. 





 

 

 

 

 

What NARS Promise. 

 

 

In their own words, NARS promise a "glowing, natural radiant finish foundation" that has "sheer" yet "buildable" coverage, that "evens out skin tone". NARS claim that it will leave skin "hydrated, more luminous, softer and smoother". NARS also claim that if  "used daily, Sheer Glow Foundation improves the skin's brightness and texture".  

 

According to NARS, Sheer Glow Foundation contains powerful anti-oxidants that will protect against skin damaging free radicals. It also contains turmeric extract that supposedly improves the skin's tone and radiance.

 

NARS recommend this foundation for Normal, Normal to Dry and Dry Skin Types. If you however have an oily skin,  NARS also sell NARS Sheer Matte Foundation, available (HERE).
 

What I think of NARS Sheer Glow Foundation.

 

I really love this foundation.

 

This foundation feels beautiful on the skin - it's cool on application and it doesn't feel heavy on the skin. It really does make the skin look more glowing and radiant and it has such a beautiful finish. My skin doesn't feel or look cakey or dried out after using it.

Also, it's brilliant for someone like me with sensitive skin because it's fragrance free and dermatologically tested.

This foundation wears brilliantly on the skin and lasts for most of the day (between 5 and 7 hours depending on how hot it is outside)  - please do note that I use this foundation, as I do with every foundation I wear, with primer.

 I apply it at a medium coverage, but it is definitely buildable. Also, if you prefer a lighter coverage, just use it sparingly and consider applying with your hands.

 I tend to apply it with a Real Techniques Buffing Brush - part of the Core Collection (HERE) - or just with my hands. Both give a really lovely finish. I don't think that there is a bad way to apply Sheer Glow.

 

NARS Sheer Glow photographs beautifully. It contains no SPF which is great if your moisturiser has an SPF in (since you aren't supposed to layer SPF's) and also means that it won't flashback in photographs.

 

Something else that really impressed me was the packaging - a sturdy yet elegant glass bottle which is cool to the touch and fits perfectly in my makeup bag as well as looking beautiful on my dressing table with an almost velvety lid. My only issue with the packaging is the fact that the lid does pick up foundation covered finger prints and marks very easily... But you can't have it all I suppose.

 

I can't vouch for the improvement of the brightness of skin and texture that comes from using it everyday because I don't wear foundation everyday - sorry (I don't see the point if I'm just going to Tesco and popping round to see my Auntie). However, since this foundation delivered on everything else, I'd imagine that it would on this, even just a bit.

 

Would I recommend it?

 

I would highly recommend this product to anyone with a normal, normal to dry, or dry skin who is looking for a premium foundation that will photograph beautifully and make their skin look stunning. I cannot recommend this highly enough. It's worth all the hype that it has received. It's my dream foundation to date...

 

Where you can buy NARS Sheer Glow and how much does it cost.

 

 NARS Sheer Glow retails for £30.50 and is easily accessible to purchase at Space NK (website HERE) and Selfridges & Co (website HERE) stores. It is also available on the NARS website (HERE). The NARS website also has a list of stores that stock NARS products - mentioned above and others - and their locations, so its worth a look.

 

The final word.

 

 That's it for today then, guys. I hope that you've enjoyed this post - my first beauty review. If you have enjoyed it then do let me know in the comments. Do you have NARS Sheer Glow? Do you agree with what I've said? And if not, have you got your eye on it? I assume you have.

 

I hope that your day is absolutely brilliant.

 

GingerSnaps xxx

 



It's Showtime!!! - Theatre Review - The Ladykillers.

Hi!!!

Last week, I went down to London to go and see four plays/musical productions. I was given tickets to these shows for my birthday because, as you may already know if you've been round here for a while, I love the theatre and the idea of going to spend a week in one of my favourite places in the world, shopping, eating cake (what's new?) and seeing some really highly rated productions is basically heavenly!

Before I begin I just want to say that it might seem like I think every show is brilliant and worth a viewing. However, this isn't the case. I would never tell you to go and see something that I didn't think was worth your time or hard earned cash. There will be times when I tell you not to go and see something, as well as times when I say you *have* to go and see something (like today). These reviews contain my 100% honest opinion.

The first show of the week was The Ladykillers at The Vaudeville Theatre on the Strand. The Ladykillers to me is a classic (black) comedy, and since I was about 10 the original 1955 film has been a firm favourite in all aspects (except maybe Alec Guinness, who scared me a bit as a child...).

So...

What is it about?

 

Posing as an amateur string quintet (or five amateur musicians to you and me!), Professor Marcus and his gang of four other odd ball criminals rent a room in the lopsided house of Mrs Wilberforce, a sweet, if slightly scatty and eccentric elderly lady. The gang plan to involve her in Marcus’ perfectly planned heist job, all without her realising a thing. The police are baffled by the crime but the little old lady becomes wise to their crime and Professor Marcus decides that there is only one way to keep Mrs Wilberforce from telling the Police - the men will have to silence her themselves! Mrs Wilberforce is alone with five desperate criminals (and her - literally - sick parrot, who goes by the name of General Gordon), and they will do anything to save themselves (except General Gordon, of course). But will everything go to plan after all? Who will have to face the music in the end?

What did I think?

I absolutely loved this show!!!  Honestly, it was just brilliant!

 

As I said above, I really love The Ladykillers anyway. However I think this theatrical version funnier than the film. Also, I found this version more light hearted than the film, which is always good. Plus I think this storyline works excellently in the theatre, it injects a new lease of life to the piece.

 

The set was brilliantly designed by Michael Taylor (who also designed the costumes).  He captured the lopsided essence of the house wonderfully and I thought that the method of the turning set to reveal the different elements of the house was creative and highly innovative.

 In my opinion the play was brilliantly acted. The Ladykillers has a small cast and sometimes, a small cast can't carry themselves. However, every actor in the play carried their roles well, individually and as a collective.

Mrs Wilberforce was portrayed by Angela Thorne (you may recognise her from quite a few of her TV and theatre projects (as well as her film projects), however I imagine you'd best know her from "To the Manor Born".) She played the character very well, with even the tiniest mannerisms down to a T, whilst still providing the comedy factor.

Chris McCalphy made for a fabulous One-Round, creating his dim (yet hilarious) persona without over-egging it, which is a serious challenge for any actor and takes great skill, I'd imagine. He carried the part very well.

Ralf Little (who you'll most likely know as Anthony from the outstanding (in my humble opinion), "The Royle Family", although he did write and star in "The Café" which was rather successful too.), gave a fab performance as Harry Robinson. He was brilliant in the role of Harry and executed all the physical theatre parts of his role with ease and excellence. Great performance from a great actor.

Simon Day was a great Major Courtney. He's a really good actor and I'm surprised I hadn't heard more about him before although I no doubt will from now on.

John Gordon Sinclair made for a fantastic Professor Marcus. His performance was very good, it was believable and still funny. The delivery of his lines were great. 

My standout actor of the whole piece, if I had to choose one, would be Con O'Neill. He played the role of Louis, who is a foreign assassin. O'Neill's performance was spectacular! He was hilarious, his timing, actions, accent and ability to stay in such a big character throughout. He was such a highlight for me. He was brilliant and I really enjoyed his performance. I'll definitely be looking out for his work in future.

I would also like to acknowledge the performances of Blair Plant as Constable MacDonald and Carole Dance as Mrs Jane Tromleyton  as well as those who acted as Mrs Wilberforce's guests. There roles may have been "smaller" and appeared less than the other roles however they were  still excellent.

 

I must also say that the real musicians in the orchestra and composers did a great  job.

 

Also, the special effects team created some fantastic features for the play and that really added to the production (you'll see what I mean if you go!)

 

What did other people think?

 

I know that most people would like a second opinion and if I put one or two here, it means you won't have to go searching around as much. You're welcome. 

 

The person that I went with thought that it was brilliant, hilarious and  well acted. They don't find very much funny, to be honest, so it has to be hilarious for them to laugh and they laughed... A lot!

 

And, because I'm so good to you, I listened to what the people around me had to say (so basically, I eavesdropped on your behalf). From what I gathered, the general consensus was that it was really good, really funny and highly enjoyable.

 

Would I recommend it?

 

If you can go and see it - do. I would highly recommend this to everyone that's in a position to see this. It was very popular with the audience when I went and it's also been rather popular with the critics. I truly believe this one of the best West End comedy's there has been in a long time and it's cast and crew are just brilliant.

 

When can you go and see it?

 

The Ladykillers was originally running until October 26th 2013 however, they have extended the running time to November 16th 2013. 

The Ladykillers is running at The Vaudeville Theatre on The Strand in London.

 

The final notes...

 

• Please make an effort with your clothes - not a lot, just you know, look nice, out of respect for the actors.
• Try and get the best seats that you can.
• Enjoy the show!
• Be sure to buy an ice-cream in the interval - it's Hagen Das!!!

 

That's all for now then. I'll be reviewing the other three shows within the next few days. I hope you've enjoyed this post and that, if you can, you'll go and see the show. Do let me know in the comments if you've seen the show, and if so what you thought of it and if you agree with me, and if you haven't seen it do let me know whether this has made you consider going.

 





I hope that you have a brilliant day!

 

GingerSnaps xxx

 



Celebrate Good Times! - Happy Birthday To You... - Happy Birthday Elf Girl!

Hi!!!

I hope that you've enjoyed this week everybody and that it's been as fun and lovely for you as it has for me. Today's post is going to be a bit shorter than normal, but I hope it's still enjoyable for you all. 

This week has been a very special week.

 

It has been my best friends birthday.

 

Here in BlogLand, she goes by the name of Elf Girl. I'd love it if you'd go and check out her blog as a birthday present to her - its not like any other blog I've ever read actually. It's so funny, so unusual and is just brilliant. I love her posts - they never, ever, ever fail to make me smile. Something else I love about it is the fact that she created her own background, and therefore her blog is a very personal space to her through her creativity and design. If you'd like to check out her blog, you can do so (HERE).

 

Elf Girl is the most amazing friend I could ever have asked for.  She's so funny, creative, sweet and just a little bit crazy. I don't know what I'd do without her and her support, the fact that she makes me laugh and smile all the time and her ability to put up with my Christmas obsession!

 

I hope that you will go over and check out Elf Girl's blog, and enjoy it as much as I do. Thank you for reading.

 

Have a wonderful day everyone!

 

GingerSnaps xxx

 

 



Shopping for Treats - Little Beauty Haul - Shopping at Space NK

Hi!!!

So, my birthday has been and gone and I was lucky enough to get a bit of money. Well, I say a bit - it was more than I had expected it would be. This meant that, as any decent human would I went shopping. No, I didn't spend it all at once, I just did a tiny bit of shopping. I was out and about a week or so ago and saw a Space NK... It would have been rude of me not to go in.... And buy at least one item... So I did...

(P.S - I know, there are no pictures in this post but, Blogger seems to hate me and won't let me upload any form of picture/image/stock photo. This means that to view the products, you'll just have to use the links. I've been trying for days to get the pictures into this post but no such luck. Yes, I could have spend another few days trying but I wanted to get this post up as soon as possible so it was still relevant and to make up for the lack of posts last month. Sorry guys!)



The first thing that I bought was Nars Pore Refining Primer (HERE). I don't have massively visible pores - I never have had (thankfully). However, what attracted me to this primer was the fact that it didn't have any oil in it. I didn't want my skin to feel greasy and I find that some primers can make my skin this way, which isn't something I'm used to with normal skin. Also, in this warm weather, foundation will quite happily do as it pleases and run down your face, which doesn't leave you with a particularly attractive look. A primer will help keep it where you put it. Finally, I want my foundation to last as long as possible. Primers help it last much better as well as helping it look better for longer too.

The other item I bought was a complete cult product from Nars to go with my primer... You might have already guessed that it is Nars Sheer Glow Foundation (HERE). I got it in the colour Mont Blonc. I have heard such amazing reviews about this foundation from practically everyone who has tried it which is why I bought it. If you have an oily skin, this may still work but they do also do a Nars Sheer Matte Foundation instead (HERE) which comes in the same colour range as Sheer Glow and is the same price - just in case.

 

The shop assistant who was helping me out that day was very friendly, chatty and helpful as well as having a good knowledge of the products. As if this wasn't nice enough, she threw in a load of sample products that she thought I'd like... I love Space NK...

 

I was given these two sachets of the Eve Lom Rescue Mask (HERE). I'm not sure how this will bode with my sensitive skin however if it doesn't rile up my skin, it sounds right up my street (deep cleaning, clearing and brightening - yes please!) and will be a great treat either now or in the upcoming colder months (feel free to hate me because I reminded you of the dreaded colder months!!!).  

 

The next samples I received were two of the Beautannia Brideshead Bath and Shower Gel's (HERE) in a handy duo pack with a Beautannia Brideshead Body Cream (HERE) in each pack. I was chuffed to be given these for free as the Body Cream alone is £42. The skin on my body is still sensitive just not as sensitive on my face so I'll have to see how I go with these but I look forward to using them and I hope they are as good as they sound. I love the packaging here - it's just lovely.

 

The last duo of samples that the shop assistant gave me were perfumes. They were two mini Acqua Di Parma Eau De Toilette in the fragrance Blu Mediterraneo (HERE). They are around the size of "Travello" bottles (if your unfamiliar with them, they are small bottles to decant your perfume into - view HERE). I think that these will be great for my handbag and I love wearing perfume - I feel weird without it! - plus I know for sure that I will get on with these!

So, overall, I had a lovely experience shopping at Space NK - as always I was highly impressed with the staff and everything else. I know I'm lucky to have bought what I did and I love all the products I walked away with.

Thank you for reading. If you have anything to say about this post or any of the products mentioned, feel free to leave a comment.

I hope your day is wonderful!

 

GingerSnaps xxx