I’m so happy and overwhelmed by what the reviewers have said about my performance of Wang Tang in The Five & The Prophecy of Prana. Playing a role like Wang Tang has been a dream role for me since I was a little boy. I’ve always been very much into martial arts and if it wasn’t for my passion for dancing, I think I would’ve gone down the martial arts route instead. So mixing my dream role with two of my biggest passions, martial arts and dancing, I’ve really been able to embrace this whole project on a deep level. I’m so grateful for the opportunity that Kenrick Sandy and Mikey J Asante has given me.
For people who follows me and my career I wanted share with you the quotes I’ve had from the press regarding this show. I can’t tell you how honoured I am to have some reviewers writing these things about me…
The Times by Donald Hutera
“The troubled Master Wang Tang must whip them into shape. He’s played by the wonderful Tommy FranzĂ©n, a dancer whose economy, agility and strength can hardly be bettered. FranzĂ©n might be the reason alone to watch The Five & The Prophecy of Prana. ”
Original article – http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/arts/stage/dance/article3902282.ece
The Guardian by Judith Mackrell
“Tommy FranzĂ©n as Wang Tang is outstanding. As an actor FranzĂ©n is delightful, convincing both as maudlin drunk and wise seer. As a dancer he’s mesmerising, not only in the virtuoso hip-hop routines but in the silken lyricism of his t’ai chi-inspired solos. In his performance alone, you can see a whole new future for hip-hop.”
Original article – http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2013/oct/24/boy-blue-five-prophecy-prana-review
The Independent by Zoe Anderson
“Delinquents are given a chance to redeem themselves by training with the monk, danced by the marvellous Tommy FranzĂ©n. FranzĂ©n is heroic, finding both the dignity of an old sage and the quicksilver attack of a warrior.”
Original article – http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/reviews/dance-review-boy-blue-entertainment-barbican-theatre-london-8901108.html#
The Telegraph by Sarah Crompton
“The leading character is Wang Tang – mentor and teacher to the young gang of five, but a man with a troubled past. He is danced by Tommy Franzen, famous both for his television appearances and performances in shows as diverse as Kate Princeâs Some Like it Hip Hop and Russell Maliphantâs The Rodin Project. In everything he does, he has such silkily, weightless skills he is the epitome of grace.”
Original article – http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/10402127/The-Five-and-the-Prophecy-of-Prana-Barbican-Centre-review.html
British Theatre guide
“Winner of this yearâs Critic Circleâs National Dance Award for Outstanding Performance in Modern Dance (Male), Tommy FranzĂ©n (Some Like It Hip-Hop and Russell Maliphantâs The Rodin Project) is for me the star of the show.”
Original article – http://www.britishtheatreguide.info/reviews/the-five-and-th-barbican-theatr-9550
The Stage.co.uk by Neil Norman
“The dancers combine streetdance moves with martial arts with some brilliance – especially the amazing Tommy Franzen.”
Original article – http://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/review.php/39085/the-five-and-the-prophecy-of-prana
Dancetabs by Lise Smith
“FranzĂ©n is in fine form as troubled hero Wang Tang, melding tutting and b-boying and kung-fu with the elegant fluidity of a tai-chi form.”
Original article – http://dancetabs.com/2013/10/boy-blue-entertainment-the-five-and-the-prophecy-of-prana-london/
Londondance.com by Graham Watts
“The performances throughout the cast were excellent. Tommy FranzĂ©n provided depth to the complicated central character of Wang Tang, the sole surviving good Guardian who battles the demons of scandal and drink.”
Original article – http://londondance.com/articles/reviews/boy-blue-entertainment-the-five-and-the-prophecy-3/
Photo by Hugo Glendinning
Show finished 2nd Nov 2014 so as of time of writing there is still time to see the show. Book your tickets here!