Theatre highlights from 2011 – The West End
Legally Blonde review – The Savoy Theatre, June 2011
Ridiculously enjoyable show that presents musical theatre at its very best
BROADWAY smash hit “Legally Blonde The Musical” opened at the Savoy Theatre in December 2009 and has been playing to packed audiences ever since.
At the 2011 Laurence Olivier Awards in March, “Legally Blonde The Musical” won the award for the Best New Musical.
After months of promising ourselves that we would go and see this bubbly show, a friend and I finally made our girly trip to London a reality this June.
With perfectly manicured fingers painted a shocking pink in honour of the occasion, I clutched my ticket and entered the gorgeous West End auditorium.
Every theatre has its own vibe and the overwhelming feeling I was getting from both the building and assembled audience was one of excitement and enthusiasm.
While the audience for the matinee performance admittedly was largely female, a surprising number of men were looking similarly cheerful in anticipation of the curtain rising.
And they had no reason not to enjoy the show as the brilliant songs, witty lines and energetic dance numbers were performed by a well-rounded and talented cast.
For those not familiar with the 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon, the story follows sorority president, Homecoming Queen and LA fashion student Elle Woods.
She is a big hit on campus with all the guys (and the girls in her sorority house think she is pretty amazing too) but when perfect boyfriend Warner Huntingdon III declares he is off to Harvard Law School and needs a similarly blue-blooded, “serious” partner, Elle is devastated.
The perky blonde is not deterred for long though and hatches a plan to get into Harvard Law School and win back Warner’s heart from his old flame, the snooty Vivian Kensington.
Armed with her best outfits and little Chihuahua, Bruiser, Elle gains a place at Harvard and certainly makes an impression with her frothy pink style and fresh outlook on life.
However, while on campus, teaching assistant Emmet Richardson catches Elle’s eye and helps her to knuckle down and get a place on a case defending a woman charged with the murder of her wealthy husband.
In her battle to be taken seriously, Elle proves that despite having a penchant for malls, makeup and beauty salons, courtroom victory can be hers.
She even gets her man – despite it not being the one she was originally chasing.
The musical has all the sassiness of the original film and the characters light up the stage.
The sub-plot in which Elle helps out Paulette – a lovelorn, quirky beautician – is fabulously transferred to the stage.
The scenes with the down-at-heart, kooky Paulette (played by Natalie Casey, series regular Donna in the BBC’s “Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps”) are witty, warm and wonderfully performed with oodles of comedy.
Even the sublime silliness of the final courtroom scene translates brilliantly to the stage.
This scene is the major point at which Elle solves the murder and gets her confession by discovering that the sexual preference of the defendant’s pool guy is key to the murder.
The silliness is enhanced by having the question of the pool guy’s sexual preference turned into a big show-stopping production number asking ‘Is he gay or European’ – a tune that you will find yourself humming long after the train journey home.
The show does not take itself too seriously and with its tongue-in-cheek numbers and fast and fun choreography it is simple, feel-good escapism.
A splendid performance from the little Chihuaha – he is positively scene-stealing – and a cameo appearance from a British bulldog makes this a big show for dogs.
The vivacious Elle Woods was played by Susan McFadden (brother of Westlife member Brian McFadden and winner of ITV reality show Grease Is the Word where she won the role of Sandy in the West End production of Grease, 2007).
Ditzy but loveable Elle was brought to life beautifully by McFadden and of the 18 songs in the show, the leading lady sings 16 of them, as well as having an impressive 19 costume changes.
The dishy Emmet was portrayed by Lee Mead (winner of the BBC’s hit show Any Dream Will Do, becoming ‘The People’s Joseph’ in the West End hit musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at the Adelphi Theatre) who mastered his American twang and hit the high notes as we would expect.
Cast changes are par for the course with West End shows but the sheer escapism and fabulous music and lyrics make this production one to catch no matter who takes the lead roles.
Stand-out songs included the catchy chorus to ‘Omigod You Guys’ and the laugh-out-loud ‘Bend and Snap’ (a ditty to the apparently tried and tested method to snare yourself an unsuspecting – straight – guy).
The pop-music style show tunes are infinitely enjoyable and the moral message not to judge on appearance – in addition to the necessary happy ending – makes for two hours of flawless entertainment.
Basically, this Broadway import is charming and leaves you clapping until the final curtain goes down.
Like, Ohmigod! I’m totally going to go see it again!
Theatre highlights from 2011
Midnight Tango at Milton Keynes Theatre – June 2011
A “strictly” sensational evening of explosive entertainment
FORMER World Champions Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace have dazzled television audiences as the incredibly talented and likeable stars of “Strictly Come Dancing” for the last six years.
Midnight Tango is their first proper foray into theatrical performance and when they left the ballroom behind during the most recent break between seasons on the hit BBC show, Milton Keynes Theatre was one of the venues that welcomed their stunning production.
The breathtaking show – complete with first class tango routines, drama, comedy and pure unadulterated passion – is produced by acclaimed choreographer and ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ judge Arlene Phillips and features ten of the finest tango dancers in the world.
An internationally renowned tango band joins the dancers for a sensational production that fuses dazzling choreography with intoxicating tango rhythms.
As I settled into my seat in the airy auditorium, a sense of eager anticipation filled the air.
What were we to expect from the dynamic duo?
Intricate footwork and sizzling chemistry seemed a dead cert but would the evening be akin to the routines we see on our television screens?
The stage is prepared with a striking set depicting an impressive recreation of a Buenos Aires bar.
When the business day is over the late night bars in the city of Buenos Aires come alive and the show begins as the middle-aged bar owners arrive to set up for another night.
They are shortly followed by the influx of an entourage of couples who pick tables, order drinks and take to the floor to dance the night away with their partners.
The men are dressed in suits and ties with braces and trilby hats, while the women are costumed in smart separates or cocktail dresses.
Temptation, passion and jealousy are in the air as the couples eye each other up and it becomes clear that this is not a Strictly spin-off but a true production – an authentic Argentine tango show.
The scene is set for the stars to arrive and Flavia and Vincent make their entrance with some spectacular choreography, showcasing their passionate chemistry.
They perform daring moves with a sense of intimacy and enthral the audience from their very first steps.
A narrative runs throughout, conveying two parallel love stories – one of youth and one of middle age.
The main narrative follows the story of one young couple – Sofia (Cacace) and Pablo (Simone) – as they meet, dance and fall in love.
Beautiful, glamorous and hopelessly in love, the dancing sparkles the most when these two are centre stage.
The secondary narrative is the love story between the two bar owners.
They provide the comic turn with their neat performance littered with slapstick antics and some compellingly tender moments as the ‘old married couple’.
Their sweet-natured, light-hearted side story raised a few laughs between the intense passion of Pablo (Simone) and Sofia’s (Cacace) central love story.
There is no dialogue but the narrative shines through and when Sofia (Cacace) flirts with another man, the seeds of jealousy are planted and the men fight for her honour.
However, the clear story plays second fiddle to the practically continuous, high quality, dancing – and so it should, as the fabulous Flavia and vivaciously vain Vincent command the stage.
The stunning choreography showcases the couple, who perform gravity-defying leans and impressively complex footwork with grace, fluidity and precision.
Argentine tango combines technical complexity and flair with expressive storytelling and the whole company had the audience transfixed throughout.
Flavia and Vincent were born to dance together, they are spellbinding.
They deliver sultry steps and tantalising tango of the highest quality for a spectacular evening.
The production takes the audience on a journey of mesmerising and energetic dancing combined with beautiful costumes, an evocative background and sublime music.
I was truly transported to the unique nightlife of Buenos Aires, where the heat and excitement of a love triangle was perfectly captured in an explosive fusion of dance, drama and music.
‘Midnight Tango’ will return to Milton Keynes Theatre in July 2012.
My advice for all ‘Strictly’ fans is to book your tickets now for this “strictly” sensational Argentinean tango triumph!
Early review – 2011 has been full of first-class entertainment
Northern Ballet perform Cleopatra at the Milton Keynes Theatre – May 2011
A mesmerising performance from the Leeds-based dance company
NORTHERN BALLET are renowned for their stunning hybrid of classical ballet and contemporary movement and the retelling of the story of ‘Cleopatra’ beautifully illustrates the company’s strengths.
Returning to Milton Keynes Theatre this May as part of their tour, Northern Ballet takes the audience on a journey akin to wandering through an extravagant museum exhibition, bringing Ancient Egypt to life.
The production and choreography– from the hieroglyphics projected onto the backdrop to the stances adopted by the dancers – combine to evoke the era in an absorbing spectacle.
Choreographer David Nixon packs a lot into the narrative – indeed he must to portray the full story of Cleopatra and her rise as the Pharaoh Queen.
The legendary tale follows the power struggles Cleopatra – the last pharaoh of Ancient Egypt – faced with her brother during their joint rule; his murder; her liaison with Casear and then Mark Antony and, finally, her death as a result of the poison from an asp bite.
Antony and Cleopatra will always be known as one of theatre’s most extravagantly poetic pairings – from the traditional Shakespearean tragedy to the iconic portrayal by Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in the 1963 film – so the ballet had a lot to live up to.
Nixon said: “I’m portraying Cleopatra as a woman, a queen, a mother, a lover.
“I want the audience to understand her as a human as much as someone going to lead a country.
“She possessed a quality that could engage men and hold them, and I’m hoping to somehow create that kind of charisma, and at the same time let the audience know this was a woman who had children, who was trying to protect them.”
For such an iconic role then, the principal dancer must be assured and expressive, able to give a nuanced performance as Cleopatra grows from a young girl to a mature woman.
This characterisation is incredibly encapsulated by Martha Leebolt in the title role.
Her lines are sharp and her performance expressively powerful yet still sultry.
Strength, elegance and regal presence positively exude from her, while her tawny colouring, broad shoulders and powerful legs cut a dramatic figure throughout the posturing choreography.
The ballet opens with Cleopatra at the moment of her death, crouched in a rectangle of light, shadowy pillars looming behind her as she summons the snake-god Wadjet to kill her.
The story is then told through a series of flashbacks, with Wadjet accompanying the Pharaoh Queen through the crucial events (and relationships) of her life.
Kenneth Tindall as Wadjet is captivating, his role as a snake portrayed through a series of undulating movements, his coiling body costumed in a skin of green-blue-gold.
Nixon doubles up on characterisation and keeps the story ever-moving by having the slippery serpent shadow Cleopatra throughout the production – representing both the snake that ultimately kills her and the household god of the Pharaohs.
As the story develops we observe the incredible icon in interaction with her brother Ptolemy and love interests Caesar and Mark Antony.
Ptolemy is portrayed by Giuliano Contadini who gives the role of the 10-year-old King a perfect child-like petulance.
The impressive Javier Torres smoulders as the worldly, masculine Caesar, while Tobias Batley has a powerful gravitas and athleticism as the Roman aristocrat Mark Antony.
Stunning pas de deux moments make the most of the soloists’ technical ability and chemistry as they perform engaging choreography – evocative of Ancient Egypt with arched backs and flat hands – and breathtaking lifts.
The corps de ballet play multiple Roman and Egyptian roles and simple but effective choreographic quirks differentiate the abstract elegance of the Egyptians and the powerful force of the Romans.
The Roman centurion sections best showcase the excellent male dancers of the company – displaying both their heroic leaps and muscular upper bodies.
It must be said that Claude-Michel Schonberg has created a wonderfully hypnotic and glamorous score and the dance truly comes from the music.
The music is at its most effective in the scenes of Egypt – the flutes and rattle effects completely transport the action to the land of the Pharaohs.
Admittedly, it is ambitious to claim that the ballet has managed to tell the story of the woman herself rather than via her relationship with the men in her life – the three acts do ultimately centre around Cleopatra’s relationship with her brother and two lovers.
Nonetheless, the iconic character is compelling and the language of the dance does beautifully convey the power negotiations between her and the men.
The production successfully evokes all the splendour of Ancient Egypt and I left the auditorium immensely satisfied.
In essence, ‘Cleopatra’ offers an overall and lasting impression of exhilaration from a company that always tells the story and delivers strong classical ballet technique, with an inventive, modern edge.
Another gem at the Milton Keynes Theatre this season…
Aladdin – Milton Keynes Theatre – Pantomime Christmas 2011
Is magical family entertainment a must this Christmas? Your wish is our command!
HITCH a ride on a magic carpet to Agrabah this Christmas and book your tickets for ‘Aladdin’ at the Milton Keynes Theatre.
The genie-us pantomime will star original ‘Pop Idol’, Gareth Gates as the loveable street urchin who captures the heart of the beautiful Princess Jasmine (West End leading lady Nicola Brazil).
Joining Gareth as Aladdin’s mischievous brother Wishee Washee is the hilarious 2010 ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ finalist, comic and impressionist Paul Burling.
Aladdin will be Paul’s fifteenth consecutive show (oh yes it is!) so expect the laughs to come thick and fast from this pantomime regular.
This treasure-trove of a production promises to be a treat for all the family and will take you on a glittering, festive journey to a fun fairytale world.
As if that was not enough, the theatre has something extra to offer fans of hit BBC show ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.
Making three wishes come true, Russell Grant, Anita Dobson and Camilla Dallerup will make special appearances as the magical Genie of the lamp during the run of the show.
Russell Grant will perform from 20-24 December, Anita Dobson will grant the wishes from 26-31 December and Camilla Dallerup will take responsibility for the lamp for all remaining performances except Friday 6, Saturday 7 and Saturday 14 January.
Full of chart-topping songs, audience participation and side-splitting comedy, ‘Aladdin’ will run from Friday 9 December to Sunday 15 January.
To book your tickets, visit: http://www.atgtickets.com/2347/657/Milton-Keynes/Milton-Keynes-Theatre/Aladdin-Tickets
Getting our toes tapping… the latest treats on offer at the Milton Keynes Theatre
English National Ballet – Strictly Gershwin at the Milton Keynes Theatre – November 2011
Guaranteed to get your toes tapping and your spirits soaring
BILLED as a dazzling homage to American composer George Gershwin, the big band era and the glamour of musical motion pictures, Strictly Gershwin is coming to Milton Keynes Theatre.
The piece was premiered in 2008 at the Royal Albert Hall as part of English National Ballet’s hugely popular and successful series of in-the-round ballet presentations.
Now, this month, the full company of 67 dancers and a live jazz orchestra are bringing a proscenium arch version of the show to the city’s theatre.
Gershwin’s timeless classics – which have featured in numerous films and on television – are combined with Derek Deane’s choreography and Roberta Guidi di Bagno’s designs to conjure up pure Hollywood magic.
The glitz, glamour and razzmatazz of Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers is channelled as the company takes the audience on a dance journey from ballet to tap, ballroom to jazz, before a breathtaking finale.
Act I culminates in a re-creation of the Hollywood classic ‘An American in Paris’ and Act II opens with ‘Rhapsody in Blue’, a spectacular ballet with the full company dressed in glittering, Swarovski crystal encrusted midnight blue costumes.
The show boasts an impressive selection of Gershwin favourites, including ‘Summertime’, ‘Fascinatin’ Rhythm’, ‘The Man I Love’, ‘Lady be Good’, ‘S Wonderful’ and ‘Strike up the Band’.
The music is arranged for the impressive 50-piece jazz orchestra by accomplished musical director Gareth Valentine.
Gareth’s previous work includes West End shows such as ‘Porgy and Bess’ (a Gershwin opera), ‘Sinatra’ and ‘Wicked’.
English National Ballet’s star dancers – including the much-celebrated Daria Klimentová and Vadim Muntagirov, Elena Glurdjidze, Arionel Vargas, Dmitri Gruzdyev, Erina Takahashi, Fernanda Oliveira and Begoña Cao – perform sparkling choreography fit for the silver screen in this glittering production.
Promising much more than just ballet, ‘Strictly Gershwin’ sees the dancers tap, twirl, jeté and glide their way through big band classics so do not miss this opportunity to enjoy some sparkling entertainment.
ENB will perform at Milton Keynes Theatre from Tuesday 15 to Saturday 19 November.
Tickets are £10-£43.
Visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes to book.
Top Hat @ Milton Keynes Theatre – a world premiere
REVIEW – TOP HAT IS TOP ENTERTAINMENT
World stage premieres are normally the preserve of the West End but Milton Keynes Theatre is hosting musical extravaganza ‘Top Hat’ until Saturday.
Top Hat is a 1935 screwball comedy musical film starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers which has been lovingly crafted for the stage, encompassing the original classic songs by Irving Berlin and a further ten from the Berlin back catalogue.
Holby City and Strictly Come Dancing star Tom Chambers and experienced musical theatre performer Summer Strallen take the title roles of Jerry Travers and Dale Tremont – the leads played by Astaire and Rogers in the movie.
Top Hat is widely regarded as one of the greatest dance musicals of all time and the most successful of the nine films Astaire and Rogers collaborated on.
The narrative sees Jerry Travers – a famous American tap dancer – leave his doting co-stars to travel to London to appear in his first West End show.
Enthusiastically breaking into spontaneous tap dance routines on the evening of his arrival, Jerry finds himself disturbing a fellow guest – the glamorous Dale Tremont – in the Belgravia Hotel.
Apologising for his terrible “affliction” Jerry does his best to win her over as he realises Dale is the girl of his dreams.
The musical comedy sees Jerry following Dale across Europe in an attempt to capture her heart, with plenty of singing, dancing and hilarity along the way.
Tickets are selling out fast for this nostalgic revisit to the riveting partnership between Astaire and Rogers so I was pleased to be in the audience to watch this much-anticipated production.
Tom Chambers delivered a near-perfect American accent and a singing voice that brought the well-known melodies to life.
Even a slight technical fault with his microphone could not undermine his clear vocals, while his suited and booted appearance was a far cry from his scrubs on the hospital ward in Holby.
Accompanied onstage by Martin Ball playing impresario Horace Hardwick, Chambers displayed the dance ability that saw him waltz off with the champions trophy on Strictly and a comic timing that kept the audience enchanted by the cheeky main character.
In an interview in May, Tom told to me how much the role meant to him and that he was anxious to do Astaire proud – after his polished performance, I think he has done enough to wear his top hat with pride.
Summer Strallen comes from a musical theatre family and the apple has certainly not fallen far from the tree as her performance was exquisitely executed – even a slight slip during the final number did not distract from her easy elegance onstage.
The chemistry between Chambers and Strallen was fluid and believable – Astaire and Rogers are celebrated in the movie version so it was no mean feat for two previously unacquainted leads to take on this challenge.
In May, Summer described their relationship as “almost brother and sister like” and enthused to me about how well the two got along and fortunately this ease with each other has certainly translated to the stage.
Ricardo Afonso and Stephen Boswell provided much amusement as Alberto Beddini (an effervescent Italian dressmaker and potential aficionado for Dale) and Bates (Horace’s hilarious valet).
Movie classics ‘Cheek to Cheek’; ‘Isn’t It a Lovely Day to be Caught in the Rain’; ‘Top Hat, White Tie and Tails’ stood out among the musical numbers, as did the additional interpolated routines for ‘Let’s Face the Music and Dance’; ‘I’m Putting All My Eggs in One Basket’ and ‘Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’.
The Ensemble performers lit up the stage with a variety of parts and a range of dance styles, delivering an impeccably accomplished performance.
Stunning scenery and lavish costumes combine with the obvious talents of the cast to make this production a must-see.
After a two-week stint at the Milton Keynes Theatre, the company will embark on a 17-week UK tour prior to an anticipated West End transfer in spring 2012.
After a thoroughly enjoyable evening, I recommend booking your tickets now as the final evaluation is – Top Hat is “top” entertainment!
Milton Keynes Citizen 2009
SAMPLES of my published work from the Milton Keynes Citizen newspaper and the Milton Keynes Citizen First newspaper from the year 2009.
Strictly Come Dancing Countdown
Strictly Come Dancing – Hitting the Ballroom
TIME TO DUST OFF OUR DANCING SHOES AS THE STRICTLY COUNTDOWN BEGINS
Strictly Come Dancing will return to our screens next month and the internet is full of rumours about which celebrities are set to surrender to the sequins and grace the dance floor with their presence.
Last year I was lucky enough to be part of the audience for one of the shows after applying online and fox-trotting down to BBC Studios ridiculously early to claim my place.
After a thoroughly entertaining evening, I then wrote a feature for the Milton Keynes Citizen to share my experience with readers.
Online applications for Strictly 2011 were open between 1st – 14th August and I shimmied on over to the site quick-smart to enter the draw.
Fingers crossed my application for tickets this year proves as rewarding as 2010!
My NCTJ Portfolio
I received the top grade (A) with my NCTJ Portfolio of work for my Diploma in Journalism.
PORTFOLIO MK Citizen First 10th August 2010 - Arsonists destroy community centre
PORTFOLIO MK Citizen 29th July 2010 - Family flees fire as crowd looks on
PORTFOLIO MK Citizen First 3rd August 2010 - Collision on a “well-known” road led to tragic death
PORTFOLIO MK Citizen 12th August 2010 - Bright law student gains place in Powerlist 100; Cops’ front line to survive cuts
PORTFOLIO MK Citizen 7th October 2010 - OUTSTANDING! Impressive teamwork earns top accolade
PORTFOLIO MK Citizen 4th November 2010 - Strictly the best for dance school
PORTFOLIO MK Citizen 23rd July 2010 - History making trio mark 25th birthday
PORTFOLIO MK Citizen 19th August 2010 - Olney road works cause chaos in the High Street
PORTFOLIO MK Citizen 11th November 2010 - Remember the men, not just their names
PORTFOLIO FEATURE MK Citizen First 21st September 2010 - FEATURE – Guide dog Pearce is a sight for sore eyes
PORTFOLIO MK Citizen 4th November 2010 - FEATURE – Retirement village a lifeline for Maureen after husband’s death
MK Citizen Go 2nd September 2010 - MK Citizen Go! Leisure Supplement (Covering for the Leisure Editor while she was on holiday)
MK Citizen Go 9th September 2010 - MK Citizen Go! Leisure Supplement (Covering for the Leisure Editor while she was on holiday)
WORK PLACEMENT ASSESSMENT
Comment from Editor of the Milton Keynes Citizen and Citizen First, Olga Norford:
“Georgina has a phenomenal work ethic, is enthusiastic, conscientious and, above all, a great journalistic prospect. Since joining our team Georgina’s input has been invaluable.”
Craig Lewis, Deputy Editor of the Milton Keynes Citizen and Citizen First:
“Georgina is a hard working, enthusiastic and talented young reporter who would be an asset to any newsroom. Her copy is clean, she has had excellent results in her NCTJ qualifications and she is happy to take on any story. Georgina has been running the Schools section in Milton Keynes Citizen on her own for months now and has made an excellent job of cultivating contacts and developing stories in this area.”
NEWS ASSOCIATES COURSE FEEDBACK
James Parsons, Director at News Associates, NCTJ Fast Track, Wimbledon:
“Georgina was a model student during her time with us at NA and I’m sure she will be a great asset when she gets her first journalism job.”
Richard Parsons, Director at News Associates, NCTJ Fast Track, Wimbledon:
“Georgina was a stand-out trainee on her pre-entry journalism training scheme. As well as excellent results, she had a great can-do attitude that shows through in her Portfolio of work. She would be a great asset in any newsroom.”
Georgina Butler – CV
GEORGINA BUTLER
My CV
PROFILE
I am a graduate of the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
I am a fully qualified graduate of an NCTJ fast-track course with News Associates, Wimbledon.
Analytical, curious and committed, I enjoy research and interaction to gather and relay news.
Three years of independent study at university have equipped me with the skills to be self-motivated and organised. Successful completion of my dissertation confirms my work ethic, interview technique and concise writing ability.
I have experience as a reporter in local press.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
- Shorthand at 100 wpm; NCTJ Reporting; NCTJ Production Journalism
- “A” grades for Essential Public Affairs; Essential Media Law; Media Law Court Reporting
- “A” grade Multi Media Portfolio
- Ongoing work experience with Johnston Press /Premier Newspapers Ltd. (Clips available)
- Contributions to “The Beaver”, LSE student union newspaper (Clips available upon request)
- Complete Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Classical Ballet qualifications.
SUMMARY
July 2009 – Current Johnston Press/ Premier Newspapers Ltd – Milton Keynes Citizen
- A wide range of pieces published
- Front Page “Splash” pieces, page leads, fillers, news-in-brief, numerous bylines (All clips available upon request)
- Responsible for sourcing and editing content for the “Schools and Learning” pages
- Communication, Team-work, Interview technique (both on the telephone and face-to-face)
- Writing ability (capturing the in-house style)
- Experience includes inquests, public events, demonstrations, school events, feature visits.
- Reference from Olga Norford (Editor – Milton Keynes Citizen – 01908 372279) available on request.
September 2005 – Current Part-Time Colleague at ASDA Superstore
- I joined the Milton Keynes store when it first opened as part of the original team.
- As a customer-facing colleague I handle customer queries (both in person and on the telephone), replenish stock, and oversee a variety of tasks in the warehouse.
- Flexibility, friendliness, enthusiasm and the ability to interact with all types of people are necessary qualities that have been honed since I have been employed by ASDA.
PERSONAL DETAILS & QUALIFICATIONS
Nationality – British
Driving Licence – Full/clean
NCTJ Fast-Track (News Associates, Wimbledon, London) (September 2010 – February 2011)
Shorthand at 100 wpm
(PASS)
Reporting
(C – 54)
Essential Media Law
(A – 85)
Essential Public Affairs
(A – 74)
Media Law Court Reporting
(A – 86)
Multi Media Portfolio
(A – 71)
Production Journalism
(B – 62)
University (LSE – London School of Economics and Political Science) (2007 – 2010)
BSc Sociology (2:1)
Sixth Form (Denbigh School, Milton Keynes) (2005 – 2007)
4 A Levels:
- 3 x A (English Language & Literature, Sociology, Psychology)
- 1 x C (French)
Secondary School (Denbigh School, Milton Keynes) (2001 – 2005)
11 GCSEs:
- 4 x A* (Sociology, Humanities, English Language, Design Technology)
- 4 x A (Dance, French, German, English Literature)
- 3 x B (Double Science, Mathematics)
Vocational Qualifications (Dance) (1992 – present)
Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Ballet – full qualifications (Pre-Primary to Grade 8 with Distinction) and vocational qualifications (progression for teaching)
Imperial Society for Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) – modern and jazz dance qualifications
References
- Reference from Olga Norford (Editor – Milton Keynes Citizen – 01908 372279)
- News Associates, Wimbledon
- LSE
- Denbigh School
- ASDA
(All references are available upon request)
