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Hairspray The Musical Rotterdam Review: My Night at Oude Luxor Theatre

MissWidjaja — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 05:00:27 +0000

Editor’s note: Hairspray played at the Oude Luxor Theatre in Rotterdam from 21 to 25 May 2026.

Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions and recommendations remain my own.

The Dutch production has now finished its run, but this article shares my personal experience of seeing the show.

Having grown up in Rotterdam and now living abroad, I always enjoy rediscovering my home city. One of my favourite ways to spend an evening there is going to the theatre with my mum. We have seen quite a few productions together over the years, so when Hairspray arrived at the Oude Luxor Theatre, it immediately went onto our list.

The Oude Luxor is one of Rotterdam’s most iconic theatres, located in the city centre. I particularly appreciate the auditorium: wherever you are seated, you seem to have a clear view of the stage, which makes a significant difference when watching a musical.

There was a lovely atmosphere before the show began. The audience ranged from dedicated theatre lovers to families enjoying a night out, and there was a real sense of excitement in the air.

The Cast Brought the Theatre to Life

The Dutch production featured an impressive cast, led by Richard Groenendijk as Edna Turnblad.

I have seen quite a few West End and UK productions over the years, and the energy of this performance felt noticeably different. The British productions I have attended were often highly polished and precisely choreographed. This Dutch version felt a little more spontaneous, which suited a show like Hairspray beautifully.

My Honest Review of Hairspray in Rotterdam

I genuinely had such a good time watching this production.

The music was fantastic, the choreography was energetic, and the audience was engaged from the opening number right through to the final curtain call. Hairspray is one of those musicals that leaves people smiling, and this production certainly achieved that.

What stood out most was the connection between the performers and the audience. There was laughter throughout the evening, especially during Richard Groenendijk's scenes, and you could feel how much everyone was enjoying themselves.

While I still appreciate the precision and polish of London's West End productions, there was something refreshingly relaxed about this Dutch interpretation. It felt less formal and more personal, which made it incredibly enjoyable to watch.

A Practical Tip for Visiting the Theatre

One thing worth mentioning if you're planning to visit a theatre during the summer months: it can get surprisingly warm inside.

The day we attended was particularly hot, and although the theatre has air conditioning, it wasn't especially powerful. To be fair, I've experienced exactly the same thing in many London theatres during summer, so it's certainly not unique to Rotterdam.

The complimentary drink during the interval was therefore very welcome and much appreciated. On a warm evening, that small extra touch felt almost luxurious.

My advice? If you're attending a summer performance, dress in light layers and bring a bottle of water for before the show.

Why I Always Keep an Eye on the Luxor Programme

Although Hairspray has now finished its run, it reminded me why I love Rotterdam's theatre scene so much.

Both the Oude Luxor and Nieuwe Luxor regularly host musicals, plays, concerts and comedy shows throughout the year. As someone who grew up in Rotterdam, I sometimes forget how lucky we are to have such a strong cultural offering right on our doorstep.

Whether you're visiting Rotterdam for a weekend or you're a local looking for a great night out, I would absolutely recommend checking what's currently playing at both theatres.

You never know when the next unforgettable production will arrive.

Another Creative Night Out in Rotterdam

Looking for another creative evening in Rotterdam? This paint and sip in the dark experience combines neon painting, music and drinks in a relaxed two-hour workshop. No painting experience is required, making it a fun alternative for anyone searching for a different cultural night out in the city.

For more of my theatre experiences, browse my London theatre reviews, musicals and cultural nights guide.

Het bericht Hairspray The Musical Rotterdam Review: My Night at Oude Luxor Theatre verscheen eerst op MissWidjaja.

A Spontaneous Harry Styles Solo Date at Wembley Stadium: One of My Favourite Summer Evenings in London

MissWidjaja — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 05:00:35 +0000

On 20 June 2026, I ended up buying a last-minute ticket for around £60 because the concert had not completely sold out. I never expected another Harry Styles Wembley Stadium review to come from such a spontaneous decision.

It turned into one of my favourite solo dates ever in London.

There’s something about London in summer that makes spontaneous decisions feel normal. One moment you’re in a quiet café, the next you’re inside Wembley Stadium surrounded by thousands of people waiting for live music to begin.

This wasn’t just a concert night; it felt like part of London’s wider live music culture, where stadium shows and intimate performances constantly coexist.

Finding a Last-Minute Wembley Stadium Ticket

I don’t usually buy concert tickets early anymore because prices have become unpredictable. Instead, I check closer to the date and hope for a lucky drop.

This time it worked.

For around £60, I ended up in the upper tier of Wembley Stadium. It was a nosebleed seat, but the view was still surprisingly good. I was in one of the lower upper sections, which meant I could clearly see the full stage, screens, and lighting production.

From above, the Wembley Stadium concert experience feels different. You don’t just watch the performance; you see the entire stadium move together as one.

The lights, the crowd waves, and the scale of everything become part of the show.

Wembley Stadium During a London Heatwave

London was in the middle of a heatwave that day, and Wembley definitely felt it.

Even after sunset, the air stayed warm and heavy. Thousands of people were fanning themselves between songs, and the atmosphere felt slow, almost suspended.

What stood out was how well Wembley handled it. Free water refill stations were available throughout the stadium, which made a huge difference during a summer concert in London.

A small detail, but absolutely essential.

Shania Twain Opening the Night

Before Harry Styles came on stage, Shania Twain opened the show and completely won over the crowd.

She looked confident, sounded incredible, and had a stage presence that instantly filled Wembley Stadium. It was one of those rare opening sets where the entire stadium actually pays attention.

The energy shifted immediately. People were singing along, smiling, and fully warmed up for the night ahead.

Hearing Harry Styles Live Changed My Perspective

Before this concert, I hadn’t spent much time with his newer music.

But hearing it live completely changed that.

Some songs turned Wembley into a full stadium dance floor, while others slowed everything down into quieter, reflective moments. That contrast made the performance feel more layered than I expected.

By the end of the night, I understood the newer material in a completely different way.

The Orchestra Was One of the Most Beautiful Surprises

One of the most memorable parts of the evening came when Harry was joined by an orchestra for Coming Up Roses, a few more songs, and Sign of the Times.

In a stadium as large as Wembley, I wasn’t expecting such intimate moments to land the way they did, but they absolutely did.

The strings added so much depth that the whole atmosphere shifted. People stopped dancing, stopped talking, and just listened. It felt still, despite being surrounded by thousands of people.

That contrast made it one of the most beautiful parts of the night.

The Atmosphere During the Night

One thing I kept noticing was how relaxed the crowd felt compared to other stadium concerts I’ve been to.

Even though Wembley was packed, there was a sense of calm between songs. People weren’t constantly shouting or rushing; they were actually listening.

That made the quieter orchestral sections stand out even more.

Why London in Summer Feels Like a Never-Ending Music Season

A few weeks before this Wembley concert, I found myself thinking back to last year’s Meltdown festival at the Southbank Centre, where I saw Jon Batiste perform.

That night by the Thames felt completely different from Wembley, smaller, closer, and more intimate. I could see every expression, every pause between notes. It stayed with me long after I left.

I recently realised I had missed Harry Styles at Meltdown this year, and I felt that familiar London feeling of not being able to catch everything, even when you try.

That’s what connects these experiences.

One week you’re at Southbank Centre listening closely in an intimate hall, and the next you’re inside Wembley Stadium watching fireworks explode above thousands of people.

Both exist in the same city. That contrast is what makes London in summer feel alive.

Walking Out of Wembley Park

Reaching Wembley Park Station after leaving the stadium took time, as expected.

But I didn’t mind. The walk felt like part of the experience, people replaying moments, humming songs, and slowly coming down from a huge live music night in London.

What I Loved

£60 last-minute Wembley Stadium ticket
Upper-tier view of the full production
Free water refill stations during a heatwave
Shania Twain’s opening performance
Orchestral moments with Harry Styles
Scale and lighting of Wembley at night
London’s contrast between intimate and stadium music experiences

Things to Know Before Wembley Stadium Concerts

Upper-tier seats can still offer excellent views. Try to sit in the middle, so you see the stadium and fireworks.
Wembley gets extremely hot during summer events.
Check Wembley Stadium’s event-specific rules before bringing a reusable water bottle, as permitted bottle types can vary.
Expect delays leaving Wembley Park Station.
Last-minute tickets can sometimes be cheaper, but availability is never guaranteed.
For Wembley Park Station, the Jubilee and Metropolitan lines are usually the easiest options.
For another Wembley concert experience, read my review of The Weeknd at Wembley Stadium.

Is Harry Styles at Wembley Stadium Worth It?

Yes, especially if you can find a reasonably priced ticket.

This Harry Styles Wembley Stadium review is not about perfection, but about experience.

What stayed with me wasn’t just the scale of Wembley, but the quieter orchestral moments that made the stadium feel unexpectedly intimate.

It reminded me why live music in London is so special; you’re constantly moving between worlds without ever leaving the city.

Explore Wembley Stadium Beyond a Concert

Want to see more of Wembley than the view from your concert seat? This two-hour Wembley Stadium guided tour takes visitors behind the scenes to areas such as the dressing rooms, players’ tunnel, pitchside and Royal Box while exploring the stadium’s sporting and music history.

This is a separate stadium tour and does not include tickets to a concert or event.

Het bericht A Spontaneous Harry Styles Solo Date at Wembley Stadium: One of My Favourite Summer Evenings in London verscheen eerst op MissWidjaja.

TwoSet Violin Sacrilegious Games Review: Live at the Barbican

MissWidjaja — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 05:00:06 +0000

I booked TwoSet Violin’s Sacrilegious Games concert at the Barbican after receiving a last-minute email about the show. I enjoy classical music, but I was curious to see how Brett Yang and Eddy Chen would bring their online humour and musical challenges to a live concert.

What started as a spontaneous decision became a memorable evening of virtuosic playing, comedy and audience interaction. Pianist Sophie Druml joined Brett and Eddy on stage, and the chemistry between the three performers made the show feel relaxed, playful and genuinely entertaining.

Affiliate disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book through one of these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Is TwoSet Violin’s Sacrilegious Games Concert Worth It?

Yes, I thought Sacrilegious Games was worth seeing, especially if you enjoy classical music but prefer concerts that feel accessible and informal.

The show combined impressive musicianship with comedy, theatrical challenges and audience participation. One moment was completely silly; the next, the hall was quiet and absorbed in the music.

You do not need to be a classical-music expert or understand every TwoSet reference to enjoy the performance. However, existing fans will probably appreciate the familiar humour and musical jokes on another level.

What Is TwoSet Violin’s Sacrilegious Games?

Sacrilegious Games is a live concert by violinists Brett Yang and Eddy Chen, better known as TwoSet Violin.

Rather than presenting a traditional classical recital, the show combines violin and piano performances with comedy, narrative, games and audience interaction. The title playfully refers to Squid Game, with the performers completing musical challenges under pressure.

The Barbican presented the London performances in Barbican Hall on 14 and 15 March 2026.

A Spontaneous Visit to See TwoSet Violin at the Barbican

Sometimes the best cultural plans in London happen spontaneously.

After receiving an email announcing that TwoSet Violin were bringing Sacrilegious Games to the Barbican, I decided to book a ticket out of curiosity. I enjoy classical music, and seeing the duo live at one of London’s best-known cultural venues felt like the perfect opportunity.

The Barbican is more than a concert hall. It is a creative complex where music, theatre, film and art all coexist.

Over the years, I have visited the Barbican for exhibitions such as the Noah Davis retrospective, theatre productions including A Strange Loop and My Neighbour Totoro, and quiet escapes inside the Barbican Conservatory.

This time, however, the highlight was a night of classical music with a twist.

TwoSet Violin Live: Brett Yang and Eddy Chen on Stage

For anyone unfamiliar with them, TwoSet Violin is the musical-comedy duo formed by violinists Brett Yang and Eddy Chen.

Their videos mix serious musicianship with internet humour, classical-music memes and playful observations about life as a musician. Seeing them perform live felt different from watching them online, and honestly, even better than I expected.

They were joined by pianist Sophie Druml, whose performance throughout the evening was fantastic. I was pleasantly surprised by how naturally the three musicians worked together.

Their chemistry made the show feel relaxed and interactive while still allowing the quality of the playing to shine.

Classical Music Meets Comedy and Audience Games

Sacrilegious Games was far from a conventional classical concert.

One of the funniest sections involved a charades-style challenge in which the musicians had to communicate and guess a word using only violin playing. It was chaotic, creative and surprisingly difficult.

The show also included playful challenges inspired by Squid Game, with the performers completing musical tasks under pressure.

These segments made the concert feel accessible, even for people who might not normally attend a classical performance. The humour did not replace the music; it gave the audience another way to connect with it.

Hearing Mendelssohn and Sibelius at the Barbican

Alongside the comedy, Brett, Eddy and Sophie performed beautiful classical music.

I particularly enjoyed hearing music from Mendelssohn’s and Sibelius’ Violin Concertos. These were works I had not previously experienced live, and hearing them inside Barbican Hall gave them a completely different dimension.

Even during the most playful parts of the show, the musicianship remained clear. The performers could make the audience laugh and then draw everyone back into the music moments later.

Why TwoSet Violin Makes Classical Music More Accessible

What makes TwoSet Violin special is their ability to make classical music approachable without losing the artistry behind it.

Brett, Eddy and Sophie balanced virtuosity with humour in a way that entertained both dedicated classical-music fans and newcomers. The audience could be laughing one moment and completely absorbed in the performance the next.

Sacrilegious Games felt like a reminder that classical music does not have to be intimidating, overly formal or limited to people who already know every piece.

Who Would Enjoy Sacrilegious Games?

I would particularly recommend this type of TwoSet Violin concert for:

Existing TwoSet Violin fans
Younger audiences discovering classical music
Musicians who understand the inside jokes
People curious about classical music but unsure about formal concerts
Anyone who enjoys performances mixing music, comedy and audience interaction

Dedicated classical listeners should expect a theatrical concert rather than a conventional recital. That unusual combination is exactly what made the experience memorable for me.

TwoSet Violin at the Barbican: Practical Information

Show: TwoSet Violin: Sacrilegious Games
London dates: 14–15 March 2026
Venue: Barbican Hall
Address: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS
Performers: Brett Yang, Eddy Chen and pianist Sophie Druml
Format: Classical music, comedy, narrative, challenges and audience interaction
Best for: TwoSet fans, musicians and classical-music newcomers
Event status: The Barbican performances have finished

You can view the archived TwoSet Violin Sacrilegious Games event information on the Barbican website.

Where to Find Current TwoSet Violin Tour Information

The London performances reviewed here have finished, and tour schedules can change.

Instead of relying on an old list of European dates, check the official TwoSet Violin website for current tour news and future projects.

More London Cultural Experiences

If you enjoy discovering London through its museums, performances and cultural spaces, you may also like my British Museum 90-minute guided tour review.

You can also explore more personal London arts, theatre and cultural experiences in the MissWidjaja Lifestyle section.

Final Thoughts on TwoSet Violin’s Sacrilegious Games

My spontaneous decision to see TwoSet Violin at the Barbican became an evening filled with music, laughter and discovery.

Brett Yang, Eddy Chen and Sophie Druml transformed a classical concert into something playful and engaging while still showcasing impressive musical talent.

The combination of violin, piano, comedy and audience games made Sacrilegious Games accessible without making the music feel secondary. For me, that balance was the evening’s greatest strength.

Any night combining excellent musicianship, humour and the atmosphere of the Barbican is time well spent.

Het bericht TwoSet Violin Sacrilegious Games Review: Live at the Barbican verscheen eerst op MissWidjaja.

HELLO LONDON | LEON BRIDGES ALEXANDRA PALACE

MissWidjaja — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 05:00:32 +0000

Hello Beautiful Souls, My Magical Night Seeing Leon Bridges at Alexandra Palace.

This summer, I had the joy of seeing Leon Bridges live at Alexandra Palace in North London, my second time catching him after the unforgettable show at the Eventim Apollo for the Gold-Diggers Sound tour. Leon’s soul and vibe are truly unmatched.

The atmosphere was everything you could wish for on a warm summer evening: chilled festival vibes, beautiful weather, and the stunning London skyline as a backdrop. Alexandra Palace is a spectacular venue for outdoor concerts, making it the perfect setting to enjoy your favourite artist under the stars.

Leon Bridges performed songs from all four of his albums: Good Thing (2018), Gold-Diggers Sound (2021), and his latest, Leon (2024). Although he didn’t sing “Brown Skin Girl,” he made up for it with fan favourites like “Texas Sun” and “River.” Every note was soulful, heartfelt, and made the night unforgettable.

Unfortunately, I missed the pre-guest performance due to work commitments, but the main act more than made up for it. Leon Bridges truly knows how to create a soulful, intimate connection with his audience, whether in a cosy indoor venue or a sprawling outdoor palace.

This night reminded me why Leon Bridges is one of my favourite artists. If you get the chance to see him live in London, don’t miss it. I can’t wait for his next show!

Venue: Alexandra Palace, North London
Tour: Leon Bridges Live, Summer 2025

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