Family Musicals: The Best Dads on The Stage

Published on: 24 September 2022 Last Updated on: 21 February 2023

To pay tribute to all fathers out there this year, we’ve decided to bring together the best dad performances in West End productions.

From lawyers to boy-band leaders, these father figures are the source of inspiration for so many of us.

So, without further ado, here are the best dads on the stage in 2022.

Top 6 Best Dads on The Stage

1. Lance DuBois

& Juliet is filled with unique bonds, and the relationship between Lance and his son Francois is fraught from the start. However, as the show progresses, we see Lance accept his son for who he is and accepts his vision for his future self.

By joining a family boy band, Lance and Francois strengthen their bond and create an on-stage alliance that you’re sure to fall in love with this year.

2. George McFly

Who hasn’t wondered what their parents were like when they were younger? In Back to the Future, Marty has the opportunity to interact with his dad when he travels back to a time when he meets his mum.

It’s scintillating stuff, and there are laughs and jokes along the way as Marty ends up coaching George to impress his mum, so the two can fall in love.

Among other things, Marty inspires his future dad to stand up to bullies, and their relationship evolves as Marty races against time to ensure his future is just as it should be. This timeless classic has been reinvented for the stage, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint.

3. Sam, Bill, and Harry

No matter how you look at it, Donna rocks as a single mum. With some help from her Greek friends, she’s given everything she possibly can to Sophie, and there’s no questioning the depth of the relationship between mother and daughter.

In Mamma Mia, Sophie lets curiosity get the better of her, and her subsequent journey proves that biology isn’t everything. In this Abba musical, Sophie interacts with not one but three dads and learns some super important lessons along the way.

4. Walter

When Will Ferrel informs his short-tempered, city-dwelling dad of his existence in the film adaptation of Elf, Walter’s reaction is one of the best things about the movie. But without spoiling the plot line, the on-stage adaptation shows us a slightly different side of Walter.

In fact, Buddy and Walter develop an incredible relationship that blossoms as the production develops. This feel-good family favorite is one of the West End’s most popular Christmas productions, and the dynamic between Walter and Buddy is a huge part of the show’s success.

5. Jean Valjean

Following his branding as a criminal, Jean Valjean is inspired to become a gentleman. He uses his newfound status, charm, and wealth to do good, helping those in need throughout Les Mis.

Jean steps up and looks after Cossette, becoming a father figure to the young girl and doing everything he can to keep her alive. Book your tickets today to see Jean in action and enjoy one of the West End’s legendary shows in all its splendor.

6. Atticus Finch

In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus plays the role of a single father quite brilliantly. He encourages his children to speak their minds, explore new ideas, and challenge racial stereotypes.

His relationship with Calpurnia plays out beautifully on stage, and the character that is based on Harper Lee’s own father is one that Rafe Spall certainly does justice to.

Additionals:

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Want to Learn How to Learn How to Play an Instrument? Here’s What Every Beginner Should Know…v

There are certain things in life that everyone would like to do. Most people would place ‘learning to play an instrument’ at the top of this list. After all, it is an impressive skill that can easily be used to entertain and wow people. Well, the good news is that if you are considering picking up an instrument and learning how to play it, there are a number of advantages at your disposal. See, scientists have discovered that training to become a musician can actually improve your brain in terms of memory, planning capability, and information processing speed. This is true, even if you are an older adult! So, as you can see, you really shouldn’t wait any longer to pursue this passion. However, if you are a little confused as to how to get started with the learning process, don’t fret. Here, you will find all the information and details that you need to know. What Instrument Should You Play? Now, if you were to take a poll, you will quickly find out that everyone has their own idea of what the ‘best’ instrument is. This can make it a lot more confusing to figure out which you should actually take up. In this instance, it can actually be helpful to ignore the advice most people give. What you should do instead is to take up the instrument you are actually passionate about. This way, you are much more likely to stick with it and actually learn how to play it. So, if you have always wanted to play the drums, then this is exactly what you should do! If you don’t really have an instrument in mind, what should you do then? Well, even in this case, there is a good chance that you have one preference over others. So, start with that to determine if you will actually grow to like it. If you find that it isn't the instrument for you, then simply give something else a try. You will find that the process of trial and error, despite being lengthy, will often help you find the answer that you are looking for. How Should You Choose Your Instrument? Even after you have settled on a specific instrument, you may find it challenging to determine what brand or model you should start with. Here, it is best if you look online for some expert suggestions. This will allow you to get the perspective of experienced, talented musicians, increasing the likelihood that you get the right instrument for yourself. Another option would be to head down to your local music store. You are bound to find employees that are well-versed in advising novice musicians on what instrument to buy. This avenue will also provide you with the opportunity to try out some of the brands and models for yourself to see if there is one that clicks with you. Nonetheless, you may not actually want to buy an instrument from such a store. To help save money, you may want to check out prices online. You will probably be able to find what you are looking for at a lower price. Understanding Your Options for Learning: So after narrowing down your instrument options and purchasing one, the next thing on your list would be to learn how to play it. Once upon a time, your only real choice would have been to find a music teacher who operated in the same area as you did. While this is still one of the more popular options, there are also a number of other avenues. These days, you have the opportunity to decide how you want to learn to play an instrument. For instance, if you do want a teacher, there necessarily isn’t a need to have to go to a physical studio. Instead, there are now a number of tutors who operate over the internet, mostly over platforms such as Skype. Here, you will be taught how to play your instrument without ever having to leave the comfort of your home. If you feel like a tutor is a little bit too expensive, then you can go down the self-teaching route. If you prefer an old-fashioned method, you can always opt for music books – of which there are many. These days, however, free online tutorials are often a much better alternative. Here, experienced musicians will walk you through how to play various instruments. In many instances, they will even break down how to play some of your favorite songs. In the end, it is all about determining what option works for you best. Some people thrive under close and strict instruction while others need the freedom to learn at their own pace. Just try out both options and figure out which one affords you more progress. Set a Goal for Yourself: Before you actually start playing the instrument, it can be useful to set a goal for yourself. What this is, is entirely up to you. For some people, their main goal is to learn how to play their favorite music. Others, want to master every aspect of a particular instrument. Once you have narrowed down your long-term goal, you should try to break it down into smaller objectives. This can help you to track your own progress and can even act as motivation for you to keep going. So, try to set an aim for yourself every week if you can so that you can stay consistent in terms of practice and effort. Prepare for Disappointment: Everyone has an idea of what a particular instrument should sound like. For instance, in your mind, you will be able to imagine the tinkling of ivories or the light tapping of a drum set. Well, the truth is, in the beginning, you probably won’t sound anything like what you imagined. In fact, you may end up creating truly horrific noises when you first get started playing. Now, it can be easy to feel discouraged at this point and want to give up immediately. However, you should keep in mind that even the greatest musicians sounded awful in their early years. The other thing that you shouldn’t worry about is the fact that you may not make progress as quickly as you would like. It is vital to remember that it isn’t easy to learn how to play an instrument. Your mind and body have to be able to grasp a number of different techniques and then figure out how to coordinate with each other. Due to this, there is a good chance that it may take you a bit longer than you first anticipated to master an instrument. Well, there is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of – it is completely natural. The only thing you should focus on is succeeding at your current task, regardless of how long it takes. Remember That Practice Makes Perfect: When you watch other people play an instrument, they can often make it look so effortless. This is why a lot of people forget that it actually takes quite a bit of practice to become so good. Most professional musicians practice around six to eight hours each day. Of course, you probably don’t have so much time to spend on your hobby but you don’t need to practice this much either. The key here is to set a realistic practice schedule for yourself so that you are actually able to stick with it. Depending on how much free time you have, try to spend at least 30 minutes to half an hour each day, mastering your musical instrument. If you don’t have a lot of spare time, try breaking your practice up into smaller time slots. Try to practice for 30 minutes in the morning and then spend another half-hour in the evening perfecting your skills. Don’t Forget to Have Fun: When you are focused on becoming better, it is easy to be overtaken by the technical aspects of the process. As a result, you might forget to actually enjoy yourself and this can be a real shame. It is important to keep in mind that you are learning to play an instrument for yourself. So, you really should be enjoying this time. If you find yourself getting frustrated, try to switch tactics for a short while. Take a break and try to learn a short, crazy tune just so that you can help yourself ease up a bit. After all, there isn’t too much sense in continuing if you aren’t having fun. Join Other Beginners: If you are used to playing by yourself, it can be easy to lose your passion for the project. This is why you may want to try joining up with other musicians every now and then. Since this can be a rather daunting thing to do, it may be best to meet up with others who are at a similar learning stage. This way, no one has to feel embarrassed or self-conscious. Instead, everyone can just focus on having a good time and putting together a fun jam session. So, this is all you need to know about learning to play an instrument. While it can be a bit tough in the beginning, you should keep in mind that it does get better – and so will you so. Trust in yourself and never give up! Read Also : The Right Light Set-Up For Your Band

5 Awesome Tips to Help You Sound Better When Recording

If you have ever tried to record your voice, in a studio or at home, you might have realized that the final recording sounds nothing like you thought it would. You do know that you sound great, have heard that you do, and other people have told you the same thing. So, what happened? The difference is caused by the way we hear sounds; first through the air and then as vibrations that travel through the skill. This combination can muddy how the voice sounds, Here are a few things you can do to make you sound much better when recording: 1. Practice Beforehand Recording in a studio can be very intimidating and to cut the tension, a lot of new singers rush things. This rushing can make you sound a lot worse than you did at home. The best way to overcome these feelings is to practice a lot. When practicing, record everything and listen back to it. Doing so allows you to correct anything you do not like. It also helps you establish the right key for the type of song you are recording and to work on any vocal range issues that come up. Once you have the song and the vocal technique down, recording in a studio will be easier, and you will not have to do too many takes. You will also know the melody and lyrics so well that singing in front of people will not feel intimidating as you will know exactly what you need to do. Many recording studios offer rehearsal spaces to hire too. This is something that the Los Angeles recording studio PIRATE offers for anybody who wants to get some extra hours in before jumping straight into a recording session. 2. Check Your Posture Posture is so important when recording. Slight movements and posture can distort the recording as the microphone in the studio will be very sensitive. The correct posture requires that you start by relaxing your whole body. Any tension, especially in the abdomen, can interfere with your ability to sing. Next, stand with your legs slightly apart with one foot slightly forward. This stance gives you stability while ensuring you are leaning slightly forward. Straighten your back and ensure your chin is parallel to the floor. 3. Select the Right Microphone The microphone makes a massive difference depending on the type of singer you are. Before you start recording, run through some verses using different microphones. You should record three versions of the song without changing the EQ setting and listen back. You will then be able to choose the microphone that makes you sound best. Always choose a recording studio with a condenser microphone. The diaphragms in these microphones are extremely light meaning they follow soundwaves better than dynamic microphones. The other reason why a recording studio might use a condenser microphone is that it has a much higher sensitivity which is great for lower sounds, and a lot less noise than traditional dynamic microphones. A reputable studio will also use a curtained booth to stop interference when recording vocals and ensure crispier recordings. 4. Practice Your Microphone Technique You should also know how to use the microphone you choose correctly. One of the things you should know is the microphone volume control. This involves moving close to the microphone when your voice becomes software and further if it gets loud. Doing so ensures you record at a decent volume for both loud and soft parts which reduces the need for a lot of compressions when mixing. Second, you should learn how to avoid sibilance and popping. Sibilance is the hissing you hear when you make an F or S sound. Popping happens as you pronounce B’s and P’s because these sounds create bursts of air as they are pronounced. You can avoid both of these issues by adjusting the distance and angle from the microphone. Lastly, you should avoid getting breathing sounds in your recording. This is done by using a pop filter and moving your head to the side and out of the way when taking a breath. If you do not do this, the breath sound will need to be edited out later. Related Resource: Want to Learn How to Learn How to Play an Instrument? Here’s What Every Beginner Should Know 5. Put Emotion in Your Songs Music is meant to move your listeners while also helping them connect with the song. The best way to achieve both of these is to add emotion to your song. To do this, ensure you are communicating the lyrics and not just singing them. Use emotion to make your audience understand what you mean in each line. Remember that the emotions you add to the song will depend on the lyrics and the type of song you are doing. If you have a hard time adding the correct emotion to a song, talk to a producer and they will get you on the right track. Mistakes happen all the time when recording, and you might end up sounding nothing like you expected. Following the tips above and practicing would help you see a noticeable difference in the quality of your recordings. Read Also: Find the Required Music Lyrics at Allmusicals.com 8 Problems Only Music Lovers Will Know Demystified: The interesting connection between politics and music

Is Spotify Hurting New Talent The Most?

I can still remember sitting at my ancient desktop computer in the early 2000s risking not only my computer's health but also getting into a huge fight with my parents once they realized I had given my computer yet another virus to download my favorite band’s album off of LimeWire. Now I, like everyone who used LimeWire or any other site to download free music, knew I should have been paying for the music, but I was a kid and who cared- it was free! After all, Nelly was rich enough, I shouldn't have to use my own money to listen to Hot In Herre on my Walkman CD player on my way to the bus stop. I, along with what seemed like everyone else in the world, was contributing to the decline in profits for those in the music industry. Now that LimeWire and sites alike are practically extinct, you would think that the music industry would be on the rise again, but you would be wrong. Today, you can get “free” music without crashing your computer or risking any trouble from illegally downloading music. Apps and websites, like Spotify, are completely legal and can be completely free for users. Spotify makes streaming easy, convenient, and affordable, whether you pay $10 a month for a membership or listen to an ad every other song. However, Spotify still makes money off of you whether you pay a membership fee or not due to those advertisements. You would think that money would go straight to the artists and Spotify would keep only a small percentage (after all it’s their music you’re listening to) but that's just not the case. Even with millions of people streaming music on Spotify each month, the artists are not being compensated nearly as much as they should be for their music. That being said, unless you’re a superstar, you’re making next to nothing compared to what you should be making from Spotify. So basically unless you’re a Drake or Nicki of the world, that check may never come, and if it does you’d be lucky if it was enough to afford you your morning coffee. So, what about new or local artists? Forget about it! Big musicians, while still being affected by Spotify negatively, are not hurting as bad as new talent. There isn’t even an option to search for new talent or artists in your area on Spotify. If you’re looking to discover some local gems you’re better off googling live music near me and hitting up a local bar or music venue. At least that way you know they’re making money from it whether the venue is paying them or you’re putting money directly in their tip jar. These new and local artists aren’t even getting a fair chance at streaming on apps like Spotify to make the small fraction of a penny per stream they are paying. These free music apps like Spotify may be convenient and cost effective for us to use, but if we don't support local and growing artists with our dollars they may not be able to continue creating music. With many excellent musicians today struggling to make it, you may not even get the chance to hear their music, especially if your music collection consists solely of the playlists you made on your Spotify account. Read Also: Top Ways That Tech Keeps Us Entertained 8 Problems Only Music Lovers Will Know

Family Musicals: The Best Dads on The Stage