CELEBRATING GEORGE MICHAEL #REVIEW AND SHOWS @ THE LEATHERHEAD THEATRE…
Posted by Juliet Wheater on 01 May 2025
Being a life-long George Michael fan, I was thrilled to be asked to review the Choose George show, bought to us by Steve Mitchell and Leatherhead Theatre. In the past I’ve seen some bad George Michael tribute acts as well as some good ones, Steve’s was by far the best! Hats off to Steve Mitchell who, with his talented band, produced and entertained us all with a beautiful, sensitive and such a fun show of greatest hits.
Steve really nailed the George Michael ‘look’ with fabulous costume changes that reflected the differing albums of the songs that he performed. However, beautiful and at times amusing footage of George, played throughout the show, which was so appreciated by the audience and showcased Steve’s admiration for George.
Steve’s gorgeous tone of voice carried us through hit after hit, with audience members being encouraged to jump up and dance, we also had the microphone pointed us at on occasions, to belt back to Steve on stage, all the famous lyrics. Such fun! Surely one of life’s greatest pleasures, is fantastic live music.
In time, we were introduced to each member of the fabulous Choose George band and what a revelation! One of the two guitarists is Dave West, well known as he did actually play with WHAM and knew the legend himself! He shared with us, the fact, that he hadn’t wanted to play again after George’s 2016 passing but had second thoughts when he met Steve Mitchell. This due to Steve’s, respectful showcase of the legendary artist.
Steve performed in many cover and show bands in the UK and even a 5-year spell in the United States for a touring show band on the casino circuit in Texas and Louisiana, but never covered George Michael. A “now or never” moment in 2017 pushed Steve to apply for a touring show looking for a vocalist to sing the songs of George Michael. Since that moment, Steve has committed to celebrating George’s music and has performed all over the UK and in Europe. Steve first met Dave West at a performance at the Clapham Grand Theatre in London in the summer of 2018, and from that day Steve and Dave have built a great friendship.
George was a prolific philanthropist and the show by Choose George also gave the opportunity for the audience to donate to some of George’s favourite charities, in order to keep his legacy alive not just through his music but through this support of charity.
If you have the opportunity to dance, sing and enjoy the Choose George show, don’t hesitate, you’ll be in for a great night!
For more information and tour dates: https://choosegeorge.show/
Upcoming shows at the Leatherhead Theatre include:
GCPA: There’s No Place Like Home
May 12, 2025 – May 13, 2025
When Dorothy is swept away by a ferocious storm, she finds herself in a magical world full of songs, strangers, and secrecy. As she and Toto journey through this new mystical landscape, they must confront their fears and work together with their new companions to meet the wonderful Wizard of Oz. But, with the Wicked Witch hot on their heels and hell-bent on revenge, the four unlikely friends need all the brains, courage and heart they can muster to return Dorothy to her family. After all, there’s no place like home.
Tickets – https://theleatherheadtheatre.com/whatson/gcpa-theres-no-place-like-home/
Rare Productions Presents Les Miserables School Edition
May 22, 2025 – May 24, 2025
Les Misérables is the world’s longest running musical — a true modern classic based on Victor Hugo’s novel and featuring one of the most memorable scores of all time. The multi-award-winning Les Misérables is as groundbreaking today as it was when it first premiered in London in 1985. Featuring updated orchestrations based on the Tony-nominated 2014 Broadway revival, Les Misérables School Edition
Les Miserables Schools Edition
In nineteenth century France, Jean Valjean is released from years of unjust imprisonment, but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment. He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a lifelong struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change his ways. Finally, during the Paris student uprising of 1832, Javert must confront his ideals after Valjean spares his life and saves that of the student revolutionary who has captured the heart of Valjean’s adopted daughter.
Tickets – https://theleatherheadtheatre.com/whatson/rare-productions-presents-les-miserables-school-edition/
Pirates Love Underpants
June 3, 2025 – June 4, 2025
Based on the beloved book by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort. These pirates SO love underpants! Join our swashbuckling party of pirates on their quest to find the fabled Pants of Gold for the Captain’s Treasure chest! Dodge hungry crocs beneath Long-John Bridge, bob upon the waves of Big Knickers Bay, spot sharks in fancy underpants and trek across Three Pants Ridge.
Filled with music, puppetry and glittering pants of gold, arrr you ready to set sail for a family adventure? Pirates Love Underpants is suitable for children aged 1+
Tickets – https://theleatherheadtheatre.com/whatson/pirates-love-underpants/
Jukebox Musicals Live!
June 6, 2025 7:30 pm
Enjoy an evening of fabulous songs from the best jukebox musicals in the West End! Get ready for a night of singing, dancing, and a whole lot of fun! Featuring fantastic songs you know and love from Mamma Mia!, We Will Rock You, Tina: The Musical, Moulin Rouge, Shrek, The Blues Brothers, 42nd Street, and many more…
Show Choir and soloists are thrilled to share the stage with not one, but two live bands!
Virgo – a fabulously fun five-piece party band
Soul Rites – a vibrant, high-energy soul, Motown, and blues band
It will be a toe-tapping night of jukebox musical hits! So what are you waiting for?
Tickets – https://theleatherheadtheatre.com/whatson/jukebox-musicals-live/
Amazing Animals
June 7, 2025 2:00 pm
If you love animals, then you are going to love this show. The Animal Guyz bring a show dedicated to and celebrating all creatures great and small. The only show around that you get to see Life sized goats, Sloths, Bison, Reindeer, penguins, Orangutans and maybe even a spraying skunk bursting out onto the stage right before your very eyes.
This heart-warming show packed full of music, comedy and amazing animal effects is suited to all ages from toddlers to grownups. No jump scares, no big bangs so comfortable watching for all of the audience. Book your family in and come and have a roarsome time.
The perfect family show for all ages to enjoy. However, don’t just take our word for it, here is what some of the reviews from our last
Tickets – https://theleatherheadtheatre.com/whatson/amazing-animals/
Enjoy!
Juliet
