Morning:
12°c
Secret loans totalling £61.6 billion to struggling banks Royal Bank of Scotland and HBOS revealed for the first time
More...
New Moon is nothing if not an international advertisement for the hungry virtues of virginity and young people can’t get enough of it
The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Theatre
A smart, prickly and rewarding view of sexual and emotional confusion
Cock
Restaurants
Kitchen W8 is a bargain for this area, if such sophistication is what you crave
Kitchen W8
Too long and drawn out but very entertaining with excellent special effects
This is a peculiar play and does not work for me. Some of it is very funny but there are real flaws
Alex has a strong powerful voice and was faultless, she is far better now than she was on the X-Factor
London,
Sarah Frater's rating
Reader rating
Description: A fusion of dance and song starring Darcey Bussell and Katherine Jenkins, in a new show directed by Kim Gavin.
Trains: Tube: Hammersmith 
Phone: 08448444748
The surprising thing about Viva La Diva is not that Darcey Bussell agreed to do it but that Katherine Jenkins steals most of her thunder. Unlike Bussell, who spent almost 20 years in the rarefied world of classical ballet, Jenkins is a popular entertainer who has dubbed herself the "opera Madonna".
Most ballet fans, once they'd stopped tut-tutting about Bussell doing a song-and-dance show, assumed she'd walk off with it. In fact, Jenkins does that. The Welsh songbird is not a subtle performer but a gutsy hoofer, and she has a buxom theatrical allure that's miles more appealing than Bussell's MDF stage presence. The girl really has no rhythm.
Viva La Diva is a two-hour song-and-dance crowd-pleaser, inspired by the "divas" who inspired Bussell and Jenkins. Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand, Cyd Charisse and Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and Jane Mansfield - these queens of stage and screen spurred Bussell and Jenkins, and with choreographer Kim Gavin, they've created a sort of tribute show. It's touring to big venues with a live band, an impressive set and multiple costume changes.
The first half starts badly. Jenkins's take on Doris Day is tuneless cheese, and Bussell's flamenco turn is dire indeed.
The pair's rendition of Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend is a stinker, while the backing dancers are out of line and sync. After the interval things pick up, and the show closes on a rousing number inspired by American dance maker Bob Fosse (Cabaret, Chicago).
Bussell pretended to retire last June when she must have known Diva was booking a run next May. Between now and then she needs to find some better material.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Viva la Diva- just one of the best shows that I have been to - in fact three times and have just bought the DVD. Darcey, Katherine and all the supporting cast including the band were just fantastic - Would I go and see it again - just try to keep me away. Absolutely fabulous
- John T Hopkins, Rock, Kidderminster, Worcs, UK
Despite the silly comments from the fussy surrey crowd, we found the show captivating and each tribute well executed. Darcy and Katherine were both excellent when performing out of their genre.If we could afford it we would certainly do it again!
- Michael, Essex
I would have produced it slightly differently, in that the audience I think wanted to see diva influences on their style of their own unique attributes and performances rather than trying to produce a show. So adventurous to see performers willing to 'get out of their box', and comforting to have a glimpse of their skill in their own genre. So could be better, but they are the best.
- Roy Watkins, Banbury, Oxon
After watching Viva La Diva last night (May 08) in the O2 Arena, I must say how much my family and I enjoyed this performance. I completely disagree with Sarah Frater’s review from December 07 and I am appalled at the scathing remarks she made about both Katherine and Darcey.
I personally feel that her remark about Darcey having ‘MDF stage presence’ and ‘no rhythm’, highly insulting to a dancer, who has always given none other than ‘par excellence’, in any performance that I have seen. Furthermore, Katherine surprised us all with her dancing talents, which was an added bonus.
I also find it hard to believe that some people did not enjoy the show, when the audience gave such a whole-hearted and supportive response to each performance by the two artists. The couple, who walked out in the intermission complaining that they had not seen an Aria from Katherine, then went and missed the Maria Callas Aria, during the second half!
Lastly, I do not feel that the show was of self-indulgence by the two artists, who clearly have a rapport with the audience, but instead I found it a pleasure to experience.
- Jessie, Essex, England
Went to see them at the O2 Arena last night with my wife. We had extraordinary seat, slap-bang centre, 2nd row from the stage!
Sadly, we left at the half-time interval having been so grossly disappointed in this self-indulgent twaddle. It came across as two young girls performing for their friends or (at best) an amateur dramatics theatre. Certainly not the stuff that justifies a £75 ticket-price (+ £20 parking!).
We had come expecting an eclectic mix of both modern and traditional yet the only worthwhile performance in the half we saw was Ms. Bussell's wonderful ballet. If Katherine Jenkins had performed an aria also then we might have been persuaded to stay for the second half.
It was an embarrassing mess and we were unable to sit through a second cringe-worthy hour. What a disappointment!
- Garyb, Surrey, UK
I went to the Birmingham performance as a belated Christmas present from my husband, I knew what to expect of the content of the show, but was completely bowled over by the naturalness of both Darcy and Katherine, as they spoke to the 8,000 strong audience, especially Darcy, 'Ballet dancers are never heard!'
Both artistes, steeped in classical training, gave excellent performances in all styles, I accept that as an audience we al really enjoyed their performances in their respective disciplines, but this is 2008 and we all need to diversify to succeed.
Well done Darcy and Katherine, I had a wonderful evening.
- Marilyn Bradley, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire
Traffic in Birmingham last night (6th May) was gridlocked as thousands arrived at the National Indoor Arena to enjoy a fantastic night of song and dance from Katherine and Darcy. I agree with Sarah Frater of the Evening Standard that the material in the first half was somewhat weaker, but certainly not with her comment that Katherine stole the show - the greatest applause was reserved for a couple of Darcy's classical cameos. Her grace and artistry was breathtaking. Katherine also was rapturously applauded for her Callas piece. It is interesting that those in the Arena seemed to enjoy the classical sketches the most.
- Kevin Leedham-Green, Bewdley UK
I had the great pleasure of seeing Viva La Diva on 2nd May in Belfast and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the show. It proved to be a brilliant night for both ladies who gave it everything they had to give in their performance. They were warm and friendly and had a real likeable quality. It had so much energy and both performers displayed their talents to the limit. The band and the music were fantastic and the dancers played a super part in the whole show. I really could not take my eyes from the stage during the evening. I only hope they return once more. I would pay any amount of money (the price of the tickets in Belfast are £5 more than any of the other venues ), to experience such a wonderful show. Well done ladies!
- Rosey Hunter, Belfast Co.Antrim N.Ireland
Saw the show in Belfast and it was absolutely brilliant. Darcy was magical but Katherine was quite a dancer and what an outstanding voice. A live viewing and listening is a must. Television and recordings don't show the power or her voice. I don't understand how anyone could not have enjoyed the who;e show. It was pure entertainment from beginning to end.
- Isabel, Belfast n. ireland
it was a brilliant, feel-good show! thoroughly enjoyed it, and am puzzled and amazed by some of the criticism I've read. Cant wait for the DVD to come out!
- Pam, Marlborough uk
We went to the show in Birmingham and left at the interval, very disappointed. Katherine Jenkins' performance was embarrassing. She really should decide what path she wants to follow. She certainly will never be an operatic star. I'm sure if she hadn't been blessed with pretty looks her career would not have got off the ground.
I'm also amazed that Darcy Bussell allowed her name to be on the same programme!
My family paid a huge amount of money for these tickets as a present to me, what a terrible waste.
My family paid a huge amount of money for these tickets as a present to me, what a terrible waste.
- Val Wright, Welshpool
Having seen Viva la Diva at the Apollo, I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was well worth making the effort to go and see it! I don't understand all the criticisms - to me it was just a very enjoyable show. I went really, because I am a ballet fan and wanted to see Darcey Bussell, but actually, I came out thinking that Katerine Jenkins was absolutely fantastic! Go and see it if you can!
- Deborah, Staffordshire
Having watched the South Bank show and with tickets for last nights live performance I was quite aprehensive about what it might be like. True, sometimes the backing dancers weren't entirely in sync but apart from that it was a great show and well worth the ticket price. Darcey shows she can dance in other styles and Katherine Jenkins was fantastic in all her songs. I suggest you see the show before criticising it.
- Rebecca, London
Splendid review! Having watched the South Bank show about this, I really wondered why people are paying good money to see a couple of amateurish party pieces. A bit like David Beckham playing cricket. Reportedly he's not bad - but he's no Freddy Flintoff.
I particularly enjoyed Jenkins's panic at having to sing and dance during Chanson Boheme. Hasn't she seen any real opera singers do that, not just for one aria but throughout the performance. And without a microphone taped to their faces, just using technique to project the natural human voice above a full-size orchestra. The woman has an incessant publicity machine which she seems to believe. Just a shame she can't actually live up to her own hype!
- Gert, Brixton, England
