Theatre News & Reviews: 2016

Poleroid Theatre Brings Play About Home To Vault Festival

CRITIC'S CHOICE 2016: Alexa Terry

Longest Running Shows In The West End - December 2016

CRITIC'S CHOICE 2016 : Mark Ludmon

Cardboard Citizens' Cathy Tour

CRITIC'S CHOICE 2016 : Danny Coleman-Cooke

Abigail To Close Bunker's Innaugural Season

Mary Poppins - International Touring Cast Announced

Sci Fi Space Travel Musical Comes To The Vault

CRITIC'S CHOICE 2016: Paul T Davies

Casting Announced For Ugly Lies The Bone At The National

Top 5 Epic Musical Theatre Performances of 2016

CRITIC'S CHOICE 2016: Matthew Lunn

CRITIC'S CHOICE 2016: Julian Eaves

Oliver Reed -Wild Thing Returns To Kings Head By Popular Demand

Dick Whittington Comes To The London Palladium In December 2017

REVIEW: A Christmas Carol, Lost Theatre

Suffice it to say that the whole was appreciated by the local audience, who brought with them to the theatre their loyal appreciation and good nature.

Top 100 Greatest Musicals Results: 50 - 41

REVIEW: The Crumple Zone, Clapham Omnibus ✭✭✭✭

Make sure you see it! Your endorphins will thank you forever. As for Buddy Thomas, I suspect we in the UK are going to hear much more from him.

REVIEW: The Children, Royal Court Theatre ✭✭✭✭

The Children is a thought-provoking play that entertains while presenting us with a dilemma about the responsibilities we all have to face.

REVIEW: Anything Goes, Upstairs At The Gatehouse ✭✭✭✭

This is a show well worth watching, at a venue that is becoming a byword for fun and vibrant festive musicals. Check it out before it goes!

REVIEW: Mary Stuart, Almeida Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

This production brings out Schiller's themes in a compelling and lucid way while also being an exciting political thriller and a very personal drama about two women trapped by forces greater than themselves.

REVIEW: Cinderella, London Palladium ✭✭✭

All in all, this is about as spectacular and over the top as pantomime should ever get. You certainly saw every penny of your ticket price on stage and the audience loved it, for me, I just wanted a bit less innuendo and a bit more family entertainment.

REVIEW: Sinbad The Sailor, Theatre Royal Stratford East ✭✭✭

Some people attending probably only ever go to the theatre to see the Christmas panto, and this certainly doesn’t disappoint. Some attending may even by inspired to go and read up on the beautiful stories whence the title figure springs. And some will merely be grateful that this provides two and a half hours in which they do not have to try to entertain their children: the show will do that for them.

REVIEW: Love's Labour's Lost and Much Ado About Nothing, Haymarket Theatre Royal ✭✭✭✭✭

Despite the downbeat ending to Love's Labour's Lost and the troubles over Claudio and Hero's wedding in Much Ado About Nothing, the two plays are very funny and thoroughly entertaining, whether enjoyed singly or, ideally, seen together.

REVIEW: Rent, St James Theatre (On Tour) ✭✭✭✭✭

As I write this, I am envious of those who are yet to see this brilliant 20th-anniversary production which offers unparalleled, penetrating rawness, performed by a modest cast who surrender their souls to the book, score and to the broken New York artists whose stories they tell.

REVIEW: Kiki's Delivery Service, Southwark Playhouse ✭✭✭

Once again, Southwark Playhouse’s in-house Christmas offering takes us into new territory for the festive season, providing another alternative to the usual panto tropes.

REVIEW: Soho Cinders, Union Theatre ✭✭✭✭

While we may have no actual glass slippers or fairy godmother, this is a magical production full of laugh-out-loud humour and delightful songs - enough to satisfy the most demanding of the musical's fans.

Further Casting Announced For Angels In America At The National

The National Theatre has announced further casting for the 25th-anniversary production of Angels In America which is to be presented from 11 April 2017.

REVIEW: Hedda Gabler, National Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Van Hove’s production is never less than interesting, creating memorable stage pictures, and containing powerful, committed, acting from the ensemble.

REVIEW: Dreamgirls, Savoy Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

After 30 years of waiting, Dreamgirls has arrived in London. The months of eager anticipation are over and tonight Amber Riley and the cast of this incredible musical blew the roof off London's Savoy Theatre.

REVIEW: Dick Whittington, New Wimbledon Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Take your whole family to this wonderful evening at the theatre. Indulge in two hours of ripping humour and great performances.

Casting Announced For Raising Martha At Park Theatre

Jennifer Holliday On Dreamgirls and The Colour Purple

FIRST LOOK: Cinderella at the London Palladium

REVIEW: Muted, The Bunker ✭✭✭

The writers seemed to have found a mine of energy and vitality in a story of everyday tragedy, of the kind that litters the pages of The Evening Standard every day.

The Cardinal Comes To Southwark Playhouse

REVIEW: Nice Fish, Harold Pinter Theatre ✭✭✭✭

The piece may not be ground breaking nor revolutionary, but it is hugely entertaining.

REVIEW: The Screwtape Letters, Park Theatre ✭✭✭

The joy of the play and the original text comes from the inverted morality of Screwtape's world, where good is bad and sinning is applauded.

Casting Announced For Death Takes A Holiday at Charing Cross Theatre

Curious Incident London Announces 3 June 2017 Closing

Full Casting Announced For The Wild Party at The Other Palace

REVIEW: She Loves Me, Menier Chocolate Factory ✭✭✭

As for this show, it’s all rather pretty and well-behaved and won’t do you any harm. Nothing to be ashamed of.

UPCOMING: Summer Street, Old Red Lion Theatre

Wonderfully melodic, strongly rhythmic and engagingly structured, the musical numbers in this score are its greatest glory.

UPCOMING: The Unblinding

This work combines an App-based animated graphic novel with audio and music and is launched direct to individual phones/tablets (the PC-friendly platform will appear later).

REVIEW: Thebes Land, Arcola Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

It cleverly blurs the line between reality and what we are seeing on stage in a way that is unsettling and leaves you questioning the theatrical experience itself.

REVIEW: Giles Terera and Friends, The Pheasantry ✭✭✭✭✭

By the time everyone trooped back onto the stage for the group curtain call, we all knew we’d been through something special. And for all of you who missed him this time around, keep ‘em peeled: he’ll be back!

REVIEW: Licensed To Ill, Southwark Playhouse ✭✭✭

This is a play which is going somewhere, and it could be going somewhere really, really big, but right now it's a boy who is old enough to smell but not yet old enough to shave. It needs more development before it will become really attractive.

REVIEW: Jest End, Waterloo East Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Jest End returns to Waterloo East with a new, updated show which takes all the musicals you know and love, and tears them to pieces.

REVIEW: Her Aching Heart, Hope Theatre ✭✭

As harmless, seasonal larking about goes, this show is an undemanding couple of hours: if you go to it with an abundant admiration of the author and/or subject matter, you may have your enthusiasm rewarded. If not, prepare to encounter problems.

REVIEW: Peter Pan, National Theatre ✭✭✭✭

It's a wonderful production that will delight audiences of all ages and had all of us clapping to show that we really do believe in fairies.

REVIEW: Pride And Prejudice, Jermyn Street Theatre ✭✭✭✭

This is an accomplished show, capturing the spirit and social comedy of Austen with added humour from the multiple casting. It has come to the Jermyn Street Theatre at the end of a successful UK tour.

Out Of Order UK Tour

Harry Potter And The Cursed Child Moves Closer To Broadway Run

REVIEW: Sinbad - The Rock 'N' Roll Panto, New Wolsey Theatre ✭✭✭✭

The Wolsey hold the record for the longest running pantomime in the UK, so you’ve plenty of time to go up the gang plank to the Saucy Sausage; it’s a ride you will thoroughly enjoy!

Watch The Live Hamilton Mixtape Ham4Ham Performance Today

Alfie Boe and Katherine Jenkins To Star In Carousel

REVIEW: Disaster, Charing Cross Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

There is no doubt in my mind that Disaster! has everything needed to be a success in the West End. Judging from the audience reaction I would have thought it might already be on the cards!

Rufus Hound Hosts Twelve Musical Theatre Stars At Actor's Church

FIRST LOOK: Peter Pan At The National Theatre, London

Explaining Pantomimes To Americans

FIRST LOOK: Dreamgirls at The Savoy Theatre

REVIEW: Catch Me, Above The Arts Theatre ✭✭✭

I came away from the performance greatly impressed by the technical achievement in constructing an ingenious chamber musical with the material, but rather in the dark about what reasons had driven it along.

REVIEW: The Mirror Never Lies, Cockpit Theatre ✭✭✭

As with that show, it is only possible to ‘warm’ to the characters (and we have to take their side one way or another) if they can charm us. At present, the songs do that aplenty.

Alfie Boe and Michael Ball Score Gold Together

REVIEW: Hamilton The Revolution (Book) ✭✭✭✭✭

Half A Sixpence Extends to April 2017

REVIEW: Princess, LOST Theatre ✭✭✭

It’s huge fun, and races past in barely over an hour, hitting many more pleasure-spots than lulls.

Alan Menken's Christmas Carol Comes To Lost Theatre

Flashdance UK Tour

An Experiment In Musical Theatre

Hannah Elsy met Julian Eaves to discuss why she set up The Lowdown, the only public scratch night exclusively for new musical theatre in London.

REVIEW: School Of Rock, New London Theatre ✭✭✭✭

School of Rock is a triumph. It looks set for a decent run at the New London Theatre. Only time will tell if it will match the run of the Lord's mega-hit Cats.

The Boys In The Band Transfers To Vaudeville Theatre in February 2017

REVIEW: Half A Sixpence, Noel Coward Theatre ✭✭✭✭

All in all, this collaboration between the Chichester Festival Theatre and Cameron Mackintosh is a splendidly handsome revival of a much-loved classic story, offering a fresh look at one of the greatest British musical scores ever written, and incorporating a lot of fine new writing by some of the most experienced creatives in the industry. It's a delight.

New Trailer Released For Live Action Beauty And The Beast

REVIEW: It Is Easy To Be Dead, Trafalgar Studios 2 ✭✭✭✭✭

Lively, animated, emotional, real, Knox takes the writings of Sorley and brings them wondrously to live with a zeal that is astounding.

FIRST LOOK: Disaster The Musical In Rehearsals

GALLERY: School Of Rock Opening Night

Pop Musical 2 Become 1 Comes To Kings Head Theatre

Jesus Christ Superstar Recieves Encore Season at Regents Park

Following a critically acclaimed sell-out season this year at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, Jesus Christ Superstar will return in Summer 2017 for a limited season of 41 performances.

David Walliams' Gangsta Granny UK Tour

REVIEW: Michael Ball and Alfie Boe - Together, Decca Records CD ✭✭✭✭✭

There is little doubt in my mind that both Michael Ball and Alfie Boe are kings when it comes to their interpretations of this type of material, that being said there is but one word for this album - Majestic!

The Dreamboys UK Tour

REVIEW: Cathy, Mercury Theatre Colchester ✭✭✭✭

It’s a powerful verbatim piece, linked by voice over’s and images of actual cases, people made homeless through no fault of their own, but falling victim to the greed of landlords and lack of social housing.

New Wimbledon Theatre

REVIEW: Tonight With Donny Stixx, The Bunker ✭✭✭✭✭

This is about as perfect a production of Philip Ridley's scary monodrama - a kind of 'The Events', except with loads more jokes, and much less singing - as anyone is going to see in a while.

REVIEW: An Inspector Calls, Playhouse Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

The entire production is a fascinating interpretation, and completely lives up to its ‘landmark’ hype. In these times of political upheaval, Priestley’s reminder that “we are responsible for each other” is not only timely, but timeless. After a turbulent 2016, An Inspector Calls is a must see.

Casting Announced For Promises Promises at Southwark

REVIEW: Cats, New Wimbledon Theatre ✭✭✭✭

It has to be said: Marianne Benedict as Grizabella gives the best rendition of the infamous show tune that I have ever heard; with the climactic crescendo, her pipes burst with such raw integrity and the uninterrupted audience applause (which will undoubtedly be repeated at each performance) is whole-heartedly deserved.

FIRST LOOK: It Is Easy To Be Dead, Trafalgar Studios

What's New In November - Editor's Pick

Laura Osnes Joins Frank Wildhorn and Friends In Manchester

The Cat In The Hat Returns To The Pleasance

FIRST LOOK - Peter Pan Goes Wrong, Apollo Theatre

Theatre 503's production BU21 Transfers To Trafalgar Studios

Stuart Slade's BU21, the award-nominated play that follows six Londoners in the aftermath of a fictitious terrorist attack will transfer to the Trafalgar Studios

Lord Of The Dance- Dangerous Games UK Tour

Robbie Williams - The Heavy Entertainment Tour 2017

REVIEW: Lazarus, Kings Cross Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

What we have here is a clear successor to 'Mamma Mia', in that the show takes a seminal back-catalogue and lifts from it a mix of tracks to elaborate and decorate a strongly dramatic tale that happens to chime harmoniously with the personality of the musical and lyrical content.

FIRST LOOK: School Of Rock, New London Theatre

REVIEW: The Wipers Times, New Wolsey Theatre Ipswich ✭✭✭

Falling far short of the biting satire of Oh What A Lovely War and Blackadder Goes Forth, the play is an effective tribute to an extraordinary publication, and there are some moving moments that capture the fear and homesickness of the soldiers.

REVIEW: Side Show, Southwark Playhouse ✭✭✭✭✭

Hopefully, this will be the first of many productions of Side Show here in the UK, although I doubt any will match the talents involved here or the transcendent brilliance of its two incredible leading ladies. Bravo!

Cirque Du Soleil Varekai UK Tour

Sheena Easton To Star In 42nd Street

REVIEW: Dead Funny, Vaudeville Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Johnson’s writing is complex and masterful, switching frequently and seamlessly between light and shade. The jokes hit the mark and are well timed, whilst many of the exchanges between Richard and Ellie are achingly sad.

Christina Bianco Celebrates Christmas At Charing Cross Theatre

The John Wilson Orchestra UK Tour

David Tennant To Star In Don Juan In Soho

Invincible UK Tour

REVIEW: Ordinary Days, Hen and Chickens Theatre ✭✭✭

Saving Jason Premieres At Park Theatre

FIRST LOOK: The Last Five Years at St James Theatre

Tom Stoppard's Travesties Transfers To Apollo Theatre

Derren Brown Goes Underground At Charing Cross Theatre

REVIEW: Lunatic, TheatreN16 ✭

Regretfully, I have to note that I personally didn’t find any work of that quality in this particular offering.

The Old Vic 2017 Season will feature Daniel Radcliffe

REVIEW: The Entertainer, Garrick Theatre ✭✭✭✭

The Entertainer’, a brilliantly performed play paralleling the breakdown of the British Empire and the decline of music hall, which concludes Kenneth Branagh’s season at the Garrick.

REVIEW: Fiona Jane Weston ... And West End Friends, Phoenix Artists Club

In miniature, a marvelous insight into the life and work of artists in musical theatre, with something a little bit different about it, drawing a nice crowd, reminding us of things we cherish, and giving us some brand new stuff, too. Who could ask for anything more?

VIDEO: Dreamgirls in Rehearsals

REVIEW: Sweeney Todd, Mercury Theatre Colchester ✭✭✭✭✭

Residents of Colchester are lucky to have on their doorsteps a production that punches above its regional theatre weight, and lovers of the musical would do well to travel and see it. I urge you all to attend the tale of this Sweeney Todd!

Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein To Open In West End

REVIEW: Skin A Cat, The Bunker ✭✭✭✭

There is a lot, in fact, in the writing - and delivery - that reminds one of the best female stand-up comedy, and the audience here seems to be very like the audience for that other form.

REVIEW: The Hotel Cerise, Theatre Royal Stratford East ✭✭✭✭

This is a remarkable and magnificent work, rich in detail and meaning, and - as we approach another decisive moment in the US (and therefore also global) history - it could not have been better timed, nor more aptly designed to reflect a complex and often self-contradictory situation.

FIRST LOOK: The Intelligent Homosexual’s Guide to Capitalism and Socialism at Hampstead Theatre

SHOW OF THE MONTH: The Bodyguard - Dominion Theatre - Save up to 53%

FIRST LOOK: Side Show at Southwark Playhouse

Damian Lewis Returns To the West End in Edward Albee Classic

After October Returns After Eighty Years

Further Casting Announced For Menier's She Loves Me

May and Ellis Cancel Christmas Concert Dates

Arthur Miller's The Crucible UK Tour

REVIEW: Ragtime, Charing Cross Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

The show has been seen in London several times recently, and it is clearly a work that repays revisitation, and reinterpretation. I will certainly be back to see this version again.

REVIEW: From Ibiza To The Norfolk Broads, Waterloo East Theatre ✭✭

Bowie was a fascinating figure, with aspects of his work and image that make for rich pickings when it comes to creating a show. Unfortunately what From Ibiza to the Norfolk Broads has done is ignore the best parts of its source material in favour of producing a piece that is self-absorbed to the point of alienating its audience and is, quite frankly, dull.

REVIEW: Hotel For Criminals, New Wimbledon Studio ✭✭✭✭✭

That such a heavyweight should be having his work showcased by such a (still) small company in a fringe studio says a lot about him and a lot about the venue and its visitors.

REVIEW: Jess And Joe Forever, Lakeside Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Bravo Zoe Cooper, you have written a memorable play, one of the best this year, that deserves the widest audience possible!

The Glass Menagerie Comes To The Duke Of York's Theatre

Following the success of Harry Potter And The Cursed Child - Parts One and Two, director John Tiffany returns to the West End with his internationally acclaimed production of The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams. The production will play for a limited season at the Duke Of York's Theatre from 26 January to 29 April 2017. Tickets are on sale now.

Miss Saigon UK Tour

VIDEO: Alfie Boe and Michaell Ball Music Video Released

REVIEW: Moby Dick The Musical, Union Theatre ✭✭✭

Andrew Wright’s production does what it can to make us concentrate on the show’s many felicities. However, it may take more than bracing direction and lively movement to bring a greater feeling of cohesion to this still fairly loose assemblage of magnificent parts.

REVIEW: Wonderful Town, Ye Olde Rose and Crowne Pub Theatre ✭✭✭✭

This is very New York. A constant hurly-burly of influences and crossed paths, with the players packed into the smallest space possible

REVIEW: Musical Of The Year, Lost Theatre ✭✭✭✭

This is the funniest show of its kind since 'Forbidden Broadway'.

Sir Cameron Mackintosh Gets Impromptu Birthday Surprise

REVIEW: Somewhere in England, New Wimbledon Studio ✭✭✭✭

This is the most important and exciting rediscovery of a ‘lost’ British musical since the 1982 King’s Head Theatre revival of Vivian Ellis’s ‘Mr Cinders’

REVIEW: Ulysses' Homecoming, Hackney Empire ✭✭✭✭

This is an entertaining and skillfully staged production of one of Monteverdi’s most popular operas. Make sure you go and see it at a theatre near you; you’re sure of an epic night…

REVIEW: The Dresser, Duke Of York's Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Sean Foley’s production of The Dresser is simply extraordinary. Ken Stott and Reece Shearsmith are outstanding as ‘Sir’ and Norman, whilst the supporting cast, and Harriet Thorpe’s ‘Her Ladyship’ in particular, are truly excellent. It is a thought-provoking, funny and poignant piece, which not only does full justice to Sir Ronald Harwood’s wonderful script, but the acclaimed productions that preceded it.

REVIEW: The Book Club, King's Head Theatre ✭✭✭

If I had been wearing a hat, I would have taken it off to Amanda Muggleton. Although I didn’t find the character to be particularly likeable, Muggleton’s extensive monologue is animated and, imaginative.

REVIEW: One Night In Miami, Donmar Warehouse ✭✭✭✭

These are men dancing on the edge of their own history, and the fact that we know their histories, (two of them killed by violence), makes the play highly poignant. A highly rewarding evening at the theatre.

Dreamboats and Petticoats UK Tour

London Production Of Hamilton To Hold Open Auditions

REVIEW: Jekyll & Hyde and Nerve (Double Bill), Greenwich Theatre ✭✭✭

Brilliantly well-written dialogue is always great to hear, especially when delivered with cut-glass panache as by this super quartet: in addition to the author, we have Lee Comley, Jack Govan and Kate Novak making up the set. These well-observed stories of contemporary urban life, unified by dozens of parallels, feature sequences of extremely confidently constructed situations, voiced economically and brightly with the argot, idioms, banter and attitudes of today, yet given heightened and bizarre intensity through their dramatic compression of extreme situations.

The Wanted's Tom Parker To Star As Danny Zuko In Grease UK Tour

REVIEW: Code 2021: Autumn Secret Theatre Project, Bethnal Green ✭

It was a HUGE relief when it was all over. Not least for the accused, perhaps, who - like the rest of the cast - had had the almost impossible task of putting across one of the worst written courtroom scripts it has ever been their misfortune to have to master.

FLASH SALE: The Libertine with Dominic Cooper - Save up to 40%

FIRST LOOK: Ragtime, Charing Cross Theatre

Top 100 Greatest Musicals Results: 60 - 51

Dirty Dancing Returns To The West End This December

Phantom Celebrates 30 Years in Style

Celebrate Phantom's 30th Anniversary Tonight Live On Facebook

Hampstead's Wild Honey - Casting Announced

Frances Ruffelle To Star in The Wild Party At The Other Palace

Fellini's La Strada UK Tour

REVIEW: The Autumn Garden, Jermyn Street Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Despite this, there are quality performances on offer and an intriguing plot. The gradual descent of Nick from hero to scoundrel in Constance’s estimations is very well done. This may well be Hellman’s best play, and it’s an excellent work of its time and kind, but a little refinement would not go amiss.

REVIEW: Much Ado About Nothing, Mercury Theatre Colchester ✭✭

The Only Way is Shakespeare? Staged in contemporary Essex in a garrison town, (not very subtly hinting that it takes place in Colchester), this production manages to misfire on just about every level.

REVIEW: As You Like It, St Martins Church, Colchester ✭✭✭✭

Nicely abridged, with the tiresome Touchstone being eliminated, this is a very entertaining production.

REVIEW: Murder Ballad, Arts Theatre ✭✭✭✭

for me, ‘Murder Ballad’ is all about the exciting score which doesn’t depend on the screaming tenor, but on the sultry bass and an amalgamation of sexed up jazz/pop, with thirst-quenching rock belts (which are, of course, gratefully received). With their music and lyrics, Jordan and Nash blow the dust from the spine of a told tale.

REVIEW: Confessional, Southwark Playhouse ✭✭✭

Silver takes Williams' American milieu and shifts it deftly - without changing a single word of the text - into the seedy, East-End-by-the-seaside, down-at-heel and take-us-as-you-find-us ambience of Southend-on-sea.

REVIEW: Getting Better Slowly, New Diorama Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Overall, Getting Better Slowly’s main strengths lie in its performers and the sheer amount of heart in its story. It takes place in a small world, but ultimately one that is perfectly formed and we can all recognise a place we would take in it. As for Pownall’s goal to raise awareness of Guillain-Barre - it is thoroughly fulfilled. And he’s created a remarkable show along the way.

REVIEW: Mr Popper's Penguins, Tunbridge Wells Assembly Rooms (UK Tour) ✭✭✭

So, should one see this show? In my book, even if only for the closing minutes, then most definitely. Bateman and Hughes are major new talents and this is an indicator that much, much greater things can be expected of them. All they need now are the right scripts and productions to make that magic happen.

REVIEW: The Boys In The Band, Park Theatre ✭✭✭✭

All credit to director Adam Penford and the terrific cast for restoring the play back to the canon, and, in the intimacy of the Park Theatre, it now looks like an honest portrait of gay life and a period of time, when being in the closet was the only option many gay men saw as a means of survival.

Thriller Live - West End Extension, New UK Tour and China Opening!

Thriller Live continues to entertain people worldwide and producers have announced that the show will now extend its run in London's West End, will undertake a new UK tour in 2017 and has just opened a new resort in China.

Rufus Sewell Leads Revival Of Art At The Old Vic

The Old Vis has announced that Tim Key (Winer 2009 Edinburgh Comedy Award), Paul Ritter ( The Audience, The Norman Conquests) and Rufus Sewell ( Closer, ITV's Victoria) will star in the revival of Yasmina Reza's play Art.

Shane Richie To Star As Roy Grace in Not Dead Enough Tour

Producers have announced that Shane Richie will play the role of Roy Grace in the world stage premiere of Peter James' play Not Dead Enough for the first part of its 2017 tour.

White Bear Theatre Re-Opens with Bright Lucifer

Following a £1.3 million redevelopment, The White Bear Theatre has recently re-opened. It's first production Brice Stratford's professional world premiere production of Orson Welles' first play, Bright Lucifer.

REVIEW: All Aboard, Electric Theatre Guildford ✭✭✭✭✭

And the company, all giving their energies for a song and dance, make this the wonder it is: a rollicking night out, and also a landmark in the development of another great British musical theatre writing team. Where will they go to next?

FIRST LOOK: Moby Dick Rehearsals at the Union Theatre

FIRST LOOK: Cinderella at the London Palladium - Character Portraits

REVIEW: Adding Machine, Finborough Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Musically, this is a serious work, that demands a lot of its listeners; but it repays handsomely in its dramatic and aesthetic effects.

REVIEW: Girls, Soho Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Girls is confrontational without becoming prosecutorial, heartfelt without becoming unbelievable. With powerful writing and equally strong performances, Girls is a must see production this autumn.

REVIEW: The Libertine, Haymarket Theatre ✭✭✭

The Libertine is an enjoyable, but rather unfulfilling play. The Earl of Rochester is an intriguing figure, and Dominic Cooper’s is a witty and energetic portrayal. Yet in spite of the high calibre performances and tremendous dialogue – I lost count of the number of phrases I felt “I must look up” – The Libertine is a rather aimless piece. For all the philosophising and avarice, at its heart are two incongruously conventional romantic narratives. In spite of good performances by Ophelia Lovibond and Alice Bailey Johnson, these fail to draw complete conclusions about Rochester’s desire to love himself and others, and reconcile how such a passionate man could let his thirst for life slip away like so many empty carafes.

What's New In October - Editor's Pick

Bowie Homage Comes To Waterloo East

Adrian Berry's From Ibiza To The Norfolk Broads comes to the Waterloo East Theatre in October 2016. This celebration and homage to one of the greatest musical figures of all time come just months after Bowie's passing.

Rafe Spall Joins Cast Of National's Hedda Gabler

Rafe Spall joins Ruth Wilson in Ivo Van Hove's new production of Ibsen's Hedda Gabler at the National Theatre. Book Now.

Jest End Returns To Waterloo East

The hit comedy musical show exploring and 'exposing' the hits, flops and gossip of Theatreland, returns to Waterloo East Theatre after its sell-out season in 2015.

Jersey Boys London To Close 26 March 2017

After nine amazing years in London, producers have announced that Jersey Boys will close at the Piccadilly Theatre on Sunday 26 March 2017. They have also announced that a second national tour of Jersey Boys will open in December 2017 at the New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham.

Top 100 Greatest Musicals Results: 70 – 61

FLASH SALE: Peter Pan Goes Wrong at Apollo Theatre Save up to 52%

The Legend Of Gog Comes To The Lion And Unicorn

New Psychological Thriller Based on Stoker's Dracula Comes To Theatre N16

Tonight With Donny Stixx Comes To The Bunker

Shakespeare Wants To Rest In Peace - So Go Away!

REVIEW: Big Shot, London Irish Centre ✭✭✭

There really is no infrastructure in Ireland for making work of this kind, which makes the achievement all the more striking. Everyone has another job, or two, and time has to be snatched to rush away from other responsibilities to do this job. Yet, there they all are, sticking together, helping each other along, and making something really rather lovely happen.

Babe The Sheep Pig UK Tour

Happy 10th Birthday Wicked London

Seventh Annual West End Bares - A Knight Like No Other

Andre Rieu UK Tour Tickets

REVIEW: Out There, Union Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Nevertheless, this is another creditable creation from the production stables of Sasha Regan and underlines her continuing commitment to the development of new British musical theatre. Very much worth your serious consideration, which it will repay by pleasing and charming.

REVIEW: Kenny Morgan, Arcola Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

It’s a little ironic that, in a time of cross gender, age and ethnic blind casting, multi-media work and when the theatre is trying to find the next big thing, a well-structured slice of naturalistic drama may yet be the best new play of 2016. Unmissable.

REVIEW: The Hired Man In Concert, Cadogan Hall ✭✭✭✭✭

Cadogan Hall brought a lavish concert performance of the piece to its stage, and - once again - we saw and heard just why we should value this work amongst the highest achievements in the musical theatre. It is simply breath-taking. Indeed, freed of decor and costume, lighting and choreography, and of all the pageantry of the theatre, when exposed to the forensic inspection of the concert platform its virtues come across even more strongly.

Top 100 Greatest Musicals Results: 80 – 71

Imelda Staunton To Star In Albee's Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?

REVIEW: Made In Dagenham, New Wolsey Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Director Douglas Rintoul places it in the hands of an exceptional ensemble of actor-musicians, and the result is a joyful and powerful evening celebrating equal rights. Based on the film of the same name, the musical charts the determination, humour, defiance and skills of the women at the Ford Dagenham car plant who strike for equal pay in 1968.

Stepping Out Tour and West End

REVIEW: That Man, Hippodrome Casino ✭✭✭✭

If anyone loves the music of Caro Emerald, then they’ll love this feast of her songs presented in a dramatic context. If anyone does not know her music, or has yet to be persuaded of its merits, then they will be enchanted by the delicious performances given by a cast of 10 in this production, supported by a smart 4-piece band and MD Iain Vince-Gatt.

Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour - 10th Anniversary Tickets Now On Sale

Sheridan Smith To Star In Funny Girl UK Tour

Anita Louise Combe Sings Back To Before From Ragtime

REVIEW: Briefs, The Spiegeltent, London Wonderground ✭✭✭✭✭

This is pure, unadulterated escapism – and nobody does it better. We all need a little escapism every now and then, and in these crazy – even difficult – times it should not just be advised, it should be made mandatory. Whatever is next in store for this brilliant bunch, I for one, cannot wait to see it.

REVIEW: Sid, Above The Arts ✭✭✭✭✭

REVIEW: Things I Know To Be True, Lyric Hammersmith ✭✭✭✭✭

Families are complicated and messy, nevertheless, family dramas when captured correctly can be hugely touching. No matter what our background, we all have emotive views about ‘family’, and those connections usually run deep. Brookman and Graham have made Bovell’s already vital story come to life in such a way that the actors’ performances truly soar. I defy you not to be moved. This, in short, is a blistering production with universal appeal. All I can say is; go! You will not be disappointed.

REVIEW:- John and Jen, Union Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Added to this is the factor of Lippa’s music and Greenwald’s lyrics (they share credits for the book). Both can be bright, incisive, strongly characterised and emotionally expressive. Equally, there are extensive passages where they slip into conventional harmonic, rhythmic, melodic patterning and generic, very plainly worded statements of the kind that do the two actors having to carry the entirety of the drama few favours. It is whole to the credit of James and Sharon that they are able to make us care so much about what happens to John and Jen, even when a lot of the material they have to work with does not make this an easy or a straightforward task.

Henry V Tour

Returning for its fourth year to delight audiences around the UK, Antic Disposition’s critically-acclaimed production of Shakespeare’s Henry V will embark on a historical tour of ten of the most beautiful and significant cathedrals

Sheffield's Annie Get Your Gun Casting Announced

New British Musical The Girls To Open in January 2017

REVIEW: Torn Apart, Theatre N16 ✭✭✭✭

There is sometimes a rawness to the action, an absence of polish, but it is always convincing and involving: in fact, the wonderful paradox here is that, as the play progresses, becoming sometimes very fragmented and disjointed, the compelling is its overall effect.

Elton John - Wonderful Crazy Night Tour - Now On Sale

REVIEW: The Pianist Of Willesden Lane, St James Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

The piece is told beautifully and simply, with no added spectacle or illusion: just one woman, her piano and a story - and I was holding on to every word and every note. I expected scattered sniffs and the rustling of tissues, but it was between Golabek’s performance of Beethoven’s Sonata ‘Moonlight’ and Debussy’s ‘Clair de Lune’ where I surrendered to the army of stomach knots and the choking lump in my throat and sobbed - the shoulder-bobbing kind.

Beyond The Barricade UK Tour

Cameron Mackintosh Stops Understudies From Tweeting Their Schedules

FIRST LOOK: The new cast of Kinky Boots West End

F*cking Men Transfer To The Vaults

Following three sell-out, critically acclaimed runs both at The Edinburgh Fringe and in London, The King's Head Theatre production of F*cking Men will transfer to The Vaults in Waterloo

Casting Announced For All My Sons At Rose Kingston

Willemijn Verkaik Returns To Wicked in January 2017

It Is Easy To Be Dead Comes To Trafalgar 2

The Fantastic Mr Fox UK Tour

Top 100 Greatest Musicals Results: 90 - 81

REVIEW: 27, The Cockpit ✭✭✭✭✭

This current production looks like an object lesson in how to fuse the best of experienced industry leaders with dynamic new talent. And the writing-directing-choreographing team here are scoring a massive hit with their debut project: doubtless, they will be using the Cockpit run to make further refinements to the script.

Full Casting Announced For Side Show at Southwark Playhouse

Crazy For You UK Tour

REVIEW: Party, Above The Stag ✭✭✭✭✭

Party isn’t a play that involves long complex character studies. It’s a hoot, had me laughing throughout and wanting a return visit. It’s pure fun. It holds up a mirror on ourselves to a simpler time (we would never have admitted that at the time!) and reminds us that friends are everything.

REVIEW: The Naked Magicians, Tragalgar Studios ✭✭✭✭

Will you see better magic elsewhere? More than likely. Will you see more nudity at other destinations? Probably. Will you see the two together at another venue? I doubt it. And will they have the same on stage chemistry and tongue-in-cheek, macho, self-deprecating sense of fun? Not a chance. So, get the babysitter booked. Leave the kids at home. And get along to the Trafalgar Studios and enjoy.

Twisted Fairy Tale Princesses Come To Lost Theatre

Roald Dahl 100

REVIEW:The Play That Goes Wrong, Duchess Theatre ✭✭✭✭

The Play That Goes Wrong is a highly entertaining show, with a fine new cast of actors and a artfully catastrophic set. Given this, and the British public’s acute awareness of personal embarrassment, coupled with the uniquely comic and cathartic potential of witnessing it in others, the play is destined to be a long-runner in the West End.

An Inspector Calls - Casting Announced

FIRST LOOK: The Libertine starring Dominic Cooper

School Of Rock - Cast Announced

The Lion King - No Booking Fee Offer

Terry Johnson's Dead Funny Comes To The Vaudeville Theatre

REVIEW: Punkplay, Southwark Playhouse ✭✭✭✭

Gregory S. Moss is an ingenious playwright who has created a sequence of tableaux, each of which can be understood as a 'cover' of a different musical 'track' on a personalised cassette tape, of the kind typically compiled for each other by friends in the long-lost 1980s. The scenes are, in fact, 'riffs' on actual recordings, and the anoraks amongst us (Hand up! - Guilty!) will have huge fun in tracing their origins, analysing the author's creation as if it were the product of some Walmart T S Eliot.

REVIEW: Broken Strings, Tabard Theatre ✭✭✭

Above all, this is a drama that might occur in anyone's life: the sheer everyday nature of the story is in fact its raison d'etre. While it may not bark for attention and excite us with a stream of diversions, hours after you leave the theatre you notice that its gentle but lucid presence is still with you, shedding some scattered light on the great mysteries of living and dying, of loving and hating, of despair and hope.

REVIEW: [title of show], Waterloo East Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

All in all, [title of show] is simple, straightforward entertainment and an affectionate look at the process of just putting on a performance. As the characters, themselves remark - who says four chairs and a keyboard can’t make a musical?

REVIEW: Vanities, Trafalgar Studios 2 ✭✭✭✭

‘Vanities The Musical’ is another dazzling production in Aria Entertainment’s charming and growing catalogue and, whether it is an evening with your friends, or with a glass of wine as your only accompaniment, I urge you to invest in a ticket - you won’t be disappointed as you come away with aching cheeks from smiling and your heart strings well and truly tugged.

Licensed To Ill - Beastie Boys Musical Tour

Top 100 Greatest Musicals Results: 100 - 91

REVIEW: La Boheme, King's Head Theatre ✭✭✭

While Adam Spreadbury-Maher’s version of Puccini’s La Boheme is original and beautifully sung, it struggles to capture all the magic of the original. A stronger libretto would transform this from a solid production to a must see.

REVIEW: Bumblescratch, Adelphi Theatre ✭✭

As it stands the score is far too dense and thematically all over the place, the plot far too complex and several characters seemingly irrelevant. Once I got home after the show, I digested the shows two and a half pages of plot in the programme, and I found it all thoroughly convoluted. As a first public outing, it's not bad, but there's a long way to go until this show is ready for any further public outing

FIRST LOOK: Vanities The Musical - Trafalgar Studios

Meet The Skater Punks From Punk Play

The Full Monty Opens UK Tour with £5million Advance

Twopence To Cross The Mersey UK Tour

REVIEW: Crime and Punishment, The Scoop ✭✭

Not only does he (Phil Willmott) offer free live performances to theatre virgins, to those who wouldn’t normally choose to spend their money on tickets and to those who now refuse to pay the extortionate rising ticket prices, but most importantly, for me, he tells us the stories which gather dust on our bookshelves; the ones we are all guilty of shoving to the back behind copies of Harry Potter and Bridget Jones. Overall, whether I enjoyed the musical doesn’t really matter because I was introduced to a classic that I should have appreciated by now - and a darn good one it is.

Last Tango In London For Strictly Duo

REVIEW: Bounder And Cad, The Pheasantry ✭✭✭✭

There is no doubt that their highly comedic takes on current affairs, politics and the British psyche not only hit the nail on the head but well and truly hammer it into the framework of the British establishment.

Scarlett Strallen To Star In She Loves Me At The Menier

Ellen Kent's Aida UK Tour

Ellen Kent's Nabucco UK Tour

REVIEW: The Burnt Part Boys, Park Theatre ✭✭✭

You must judge for yourself whether you think this may or may not the case with this play. Whatever decision you arrive at, you might also like to consider what effect would it have on you were you to know at first hand what the mothers, widows, sisters, cousins or girlfriends of the heroes of the story might have to say. Alright, that would make it a different play. But there's one girl here, so: Where are all the (other) women?

Pink Floyd - Their Mortal Remains Exhibition - Book Now

FLASH SALE - Save 40% on The Last Tango

REVIEW: Unfaithful, Found111 ✭✭✭

For such an explosive opening, the surprisingly muted ending of Unfaithful leaves its audience unsatisfied and full of questions. Whilst commendable for Cusack and Campion’s performances, the play itself feels underdeveloped, breaking no new ground in terms of story.

Meet The 10th Anniversary Cast Of Wicked London

Natasha J Barnes Cast As Cinderella For Palladium Panto

Half A Sixpence Transfers To Noel Coward Theatre

Harry Potter Gets Symphonic Treatment Live

REVIEW: Brass, Hackney Empire ✭✭✭✭✭

The show's score is one that you want - you need - to revisit again and again. Till and his collaborators are such major talents that there isn't a single line, phrase or bar that doesn't repay repeated hearing. Quite honestly, it's a breath-taking achievement.

Real Life Story Of Performer's Voice Loss Challenge Comes To Pleasance

REVIEW: Glasgow Girls, Assembly Hall, Edinburgh Festival ✭✭✭✭✭

While the musical inevitably simplifies complex issues, it seamlessly integrates some of the debate about Britain’s attitudes towards refugees and asylum seekers. With these issues as relevant today as they were when the show premiered in 2012, Glasgow Girls is a powerful, compelling plea for seeing refugees as people rather than just faceless statistics.

In The Heights London Sets Closing Date

REVIEW: Scorched, Zoo Southside, Edinburgh Festival ✭✭✭✭

Directed by Claire Coaché, Scorched is a powerful play that captures the horror of war and the disorientation of dementia.

REVIEW: A Regular Little Houdini, Pleasance Dome, Edinburgh Festival ✭✭✭✭

It starts slowly but, through the strength of Llewelyn-Williams' performance and writing, you are soon gripped by his tale as it builds in excitement, mixing heart-breaking tragedy with uplifting hope about human endurance. Directed by Joshua Richards, it is a beautifully crafted show that casts a spell that stays with you long after it is over.

REVIEW: The Trial, Brockley Jack ✭✭✭✭

The Trial is an intense and thought-provoking evening, giving a fresh perspective on one of Kafka’s most famous works. An intriguing play in an excellent theatre.

REVIEW: The Dark Tower, Youth Music Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

SPECIAL OFFER - Ghost at Wimbledon Theatre Tickets £25

REVIEW: Romeo And Juliet (Abridged), St Martin's Colchester ✭✭✭✭✭

In this beautiful, innovative production of the play, the script is abridged and the audience promenade and it’s played by a terrific ensemble who convince with every line, every song, and every movement.

Drink, Drugs And Homosexuality Feature In New Old Red Lion Production

REVIEW: Marco Polo, Shaw Theatre ✭✭✭

But the message this work has to speak to us is not going to be dismissed: in an era when the management of the world by politicians is so signally lacking in hope, this story reminds us that there are other ways of doing things, there are other attitudes that can be assumed and there are other ways of responding to others than relentless, unwinnable wars.

The Top 100 Musicals Poll - Voting Now Closed

MY TOP MUSICALS - Paul T Davies

Broken Strings Comes To The Tabard Theatre

Rediscovered Priestley Comedy Comes To Park Theatre

REVIEW: Scooby Doo Live Musical Mysteries, London Palladium ✭✭✭✭

The show runs for just under 90 minutes with a brief interval and had the attention of children throughout. Lots of audience response was called for and the children responded in droves. It is wonderful to look at the jam-packed London Palladium and think that the next generation of actors, composers and theatre folk might just have seen their first show. Brilliant!

REVIEW: DarkTales, Pleasance - Edinburgh Festival ✭✭

Late night, in a dank cellar, this show might find the right atmosphere. As it is, it's far too safe, and seems a strange choice for the fringe.

REVIEW: 946 The Amazing Story Of Adolphus Tips, Shakepeare's Globe ✭✭✭

This is a story well worth telling; one of the most hushed up disasters in Anglo-American history. It has been turned into a touching and entertaining play, one that is not without its flaws but that offers a great night out for all the family.

REVIEW: Groundhog Day, Old Vic Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

For a 10 week trial, this production of Groundhog Day is as good or better than many shows I have seen this year. A West-end transfer must surely be on the cards and I'm sure Andy Karl would be up for a Broadway run. Just get down to the Old Vic asap to see this stunning show. Writing and production of this calibre must be seen!

Kenny Morgan Back By Popular Demand

REVIEW: The League Of Youth, Theatre N16 ✭✭✭✭✭

The genius of this work is that it opens up to us what is really great about the writer: his vision of humanity, his craft as a composer of lyrical epics of the struggle of people to find their way in a world full of dangers, challenges, betrayals, confusions and blind-alleys. It leaves you knowing that you will never be able to think about the creator of Peer Gynt or Mrs Alving in the same way again. And you feel so very, very glad about that. At last.

REVIEW: Teatro Delusio, Pleasance - Edinburgh Festival ✭✭✭✭

A packed venue of all ages, from young children to grandparents, loved it. Be quick in booking as this is one hot ticket, and fall in love with theatre again!

REVIEW: 5 Guys Chillin, C Too - Edinburgh Festival ✭✭✭

On the plus side, the cast are very good, and the damaging side of their partying is played very well. I liked the confrontational nature of the script, and it does not glamorise the scene. It's bleakness makes me worry for young gay men.

REVIEW: I Love You You're Perfect Now Change, Arts Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

With a script and score this good, with such a robustly simple and flexible and clear set-up and artists of such sterling quality, this was like being at a really, really good party for two-and-a-half hours, or seeing a really big West End show.

REVIEW ROUND UP: Groundhog Day, Old Vic Theatre

REVIEW: Thrones, Assembly - Edinburgh Festival ✭✭✭✭

The show comes in at under an hour, and maybe it's time for the company to spread their dragon wings and expand the material- there was plenty of fire left at the end. One for the fans, but a parody that scales the wall of comedy!

UPCOMING: Musical Theatre For Shopkeepers

Mum's The Word UK Tour

PunkPlay Comes To Southwark Playhouse

REVIEW: MacDeth, Cockpit Theatre ✭

Rogue Shakespeare Brings MacDeth To London

REVIEW: Love, Lies and Taxidermy, Summerhall - Edinburgh Festival ✭✭✭✭✭

The sell-out audience loved it and you will leave with a huge grin on your face! A solid gold feel good hit! The film version must be in the works?

REVIEW: Allegro, Southwark Playhouse ✭✭✭✭

Thom Sutherland’s production of Allegro is a definite success, putting a positive gloss on a perhaps unfairly maligned play. It is intelligently directed, perfectly sung and well acted – an entertaining slice of Americana in SE1 .

REVIEW: Growth, Roundabout at Summerhall - Edinburgh Festival ✭✭✭✭

This is a play about an issue many young men may not want to face- in fact the word cancer isn't spoken. Well worth checking out- then check them out lads! Highly recommended.

REVIEW: Adler and Gibb, Summerhall - Edinburgh Festival ✭✭✭✭

Challenging and intellectual, performed by a disciplined ensemble, this is what fringe theatre should be. You will either love it or hate it, but it is so worth seeing. It may not be appropriate to call a play bat shit crazy brilliant- but it is!

REVIEW: Our Ladies Of Perpetual Succour, National Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Be warned, this is not a night at the theatre for the prissy or faint-hearted, the "Ladies" swear like sailors and the subject matter here is at times more like pornography, but that aside its one hell of a tale.

REVIEW: Us/Them, Summerhall - Edinburgh Festival ✭✭✭✭✭

Balloons become bombs, string restricts the space, the terror is worked out as a maths calculation. Haunting and mesmerising, this is the best the Fringe has to offer- a devastating piece.

REVIEW: Milk, Traverse - Edinburgh Festival ✭✭✭✭✭

Orla O'Loughlin's sensitive direction and Paul Meller's uncluttered design guides us through the need for love. Yes, some strands are left loose, but a terrific ensemble, (so good no one should be singled out), and a deeply moving conclusion underlines the milk of human kindness. Theatrical nourishment.

REVIEW: Bubble Schmeisis, Summerhall - Edinburgh Festival ✭✭✭✭

This is a warm, informative, lovely show, and you would do well to spend an hour at the baths!

La Cage Aux Folles UK Tour

REVIEW: A Good Clean Heart, Underbelly - Edinburgh Fringe ✭✭✭✭✭

Alun Saunder's beautiful script is not just bilingual, he also explores street language and bravado. Excellent direction and movement and a wonderful karaoke section allows the play to soar.

A Judgement In Stone UK Tour

REVIEW: Steel Magnolias, Hope Theatre ✭✭✭

Easy, very funny, but ultimately underwhelming, Steel Magnolias is perhaps best left to the admirers of the film.

FIRST LOOK: Rodgers and Hammerstein's Allegro - Southwark Playhouse

REVIEW: The Naked Magicians, Pleasance - Edinburgh Festival ✭✭✭✭

They are not afraid to be cheesy and corny, and fans of the buff male body will not be disappointed as they build to a satisfying climax (Sorry!)

REVIEW: Eurobeat, Pleasance - Edinburgh Festival ✭✭✭✭

If you're looking for subtlety look elsewhere. This is high camp influenced by Carry On, and no cultural stereotype is under exploited, and the show is all the better for it!

FIRST LOOK: Unfaithful Rehearsal Images

Rocky Horror Show Uk Tour Casting Update

Coronation Street On Tour

REVIEWS: Darktales, Edinburgh Festival

FLASH SALE - American Idiot At The Arts Theatre - Save up to 69%

FLASH SALE - Book tickets for American Idiot at the Arts Theatre London by 15 August and save up to 69%.

REVIEW: The Past Is A Tattooed Sailor, Old Red Lion Theatre ✭✭✭

Although by the end of the piece I wanted to cuddle Uncle Napier, I didn’t feel the need to squeeze. Whether the play is liked or not, a promise has been kept and Blow’s uncle lives on at The Old Red Lion Theatre.

FIRST LOOK: No Man's Land UK Tour

New Faces Join Phantom Cast - August 2016

Tennessee Williams' Lovely Sunday For Creve Coeur Casting

REVIEW: Funny Girl, London Cast Recording ✭✭✭✭

You can hear Sheridan's personality in this recording, this is no sterile studio recording, you can hear her smile and the comedy of the show comes across in droves.

First Look: Consuming Passions, Stephen Joseph Theatre

REVIEW: Heart Of Winter, A Song Cycle CD ✭✭✭✭✭

There's a lot to recommend Heart Of Winter, I can't wait to hear more of Connor and Buddle, with new writing talent like this, I am confident there are brilliant British musicals on the horizon.

REVIEW: The Wind In The Willows, Mercury Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Matthew Cullum’s direction allows imaginations to run wild, a shopping trolley becomes a horse, a spade a fish, a bugle a pistol, without ever sacrificing the story- the key to this production’s success is in its story telling. The Mercury may now have a tradition on its hands with its summer shows.

REVIEW: Close To You, London Cast Recording ✭✭✭✭✭

Close To You is a stunning recording that takes me back to what for me was a very special night in the theatre. I daresay it will be played with frightening regularity here, and I hope that many of you will get a copy and have a listen to Kyle Riabko's wonderous reimagining of one of the greatest songwriter's of our time. Bravo!

REVIEW: The Collector, The Vaults Waterloo ✭✭✭

Despite its moments of clumsiness, this is a well-designed and finely acted production, and is worth a trip for the atmospheric venue alone. An interesting adaption, while The Collector doesn't quite ensnare its audience, it certainly unnerves them.

Pride And Prejudice UK Tour

42nd Street Returns To London in 2017

VIDEO: Aladdin's TWO Genies Duet

Thoroughly Modern Millie UK Tour

UPCOMING: You Tweet My Face Space

Freddie Fox Replaces Richard Madden In Romeo And Juliet

Scooby Doo Live! London Cast Announced

Kiki Comes To Southwark This Christmas

New Truly And Childcatcher As Chitty Lands in Edinburgh

Sarah Harding and Andy Moss To Star in Ghost UK Tour

FIRST LOOK: Night Must Fall UK Tour Rehearsals

Andrew Lloyd Webber Celebrate Three Shows Currently On Broadway

FIRST LOOK: Harry Potter Opening Gala

REVIEW: Exposure, St James Theatre ✭

Exposure is so bland that ultimately it won't make the list of great flops, you know those shows that lurch from briliance to being dire. There's just nothing to recommend this effort at all.

REVIEW: Rotterdam, Trafalgar Studios 2 ✭✭✭✭

Nothing is conclusive in Rotterdam, but then again nothing is constant either. In this port city, where everyone is either arriving or leaving, the audience is simply given an insight into four people’s lives. Four people who don’t exactly want to change the whole world - just their little part of it. Hilarious and heartbreaking in turns, Rotterdam is a strong and highly enjoyable piece of theatre.

REVIEW ROUND UP: Aladdin, Prince Edward Theatre

FIRST LOOK : Exposure The Musical, St James Theatre

Casting Announced For Strictly Ballroom

Rare Priestley Comes To The Old Red Lion

FIRST LOOK: The World Goes Round in Scarborough

A Bit Of Rumpy Pumpy At The Union

Rock A Long With The Cast Of American Idiot

Casting Announced For Shawshank Redemption Tour

REVIEW: Harry Potter And The Cursed Child, Palace Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Yesterday, at London’s Palace Theatre, I experienced something quite magical, and that was just watching the audience. Harry Potter And The Cursed Child had finally arrived, and what was going on up on stage was simply extraordinary.

UPCOMING: Can't Stop It The Musical

FIRST LOOK: Harry Potter And The Cursed Child Production Photos

Further Casting Announced For The Boys In The Band

David Bowie's Lazarus Comes To London This October

FIRST LOOK: Groundhog Day at The Old Vic Preview Photos

REVIEW: Jesus Christ Superstar, Regent Park Open Air Theatre ✭✭✭

OPENING NIGHT: The Bodyguard At The Dominion Theatre

PREVIEW: Amber Riley Sings I Am Changing From Dreamgirls

FIRST LOOK: The Collector Rehearsals

FIRST LOOK: Dirty Dancing Tour Rehearsals

Title Of Show Comes To Waterloo East

Children Of Eden Cast Announced

Sunny Afternoon UK Tour Cast Announced

Radio Times At Charing Cross Postponed

A Princess Undone Tour

Children Of Eden Comes To The Union Theatre

David Dillon's Party Returns To London

Wicked International Tour Production Photos

Rehearsal For Murder UK Tour

Titanic Extends Record Breaking Charing Cross Season

Gawn Grainger Joins The Cast Of The Entertainer

REVIEW: Through The Mill, Southwark Playhouse ✭✭✭✭

Through The Mill is a triumphant look at the life of Judy Garland. It’s a wonderful evening in the theatre that will thrill fans and non-fans alike. The incandescent star that was Judy Garland continues to burn as brightly as ever thanks to Through The Mill at Southwark Playhouse. Don’t miss it.

Finding Neverland To Arrive in London in 2017

Simon Blow Play Premieres At Old Red Lion

REVIEW: Romeo And Juliet, Garrick Theatre ✭✭✭✭

This Romeo and Juliet are not gushy and are more than the Innamorati of Commedia Dell’arte. They are (James especially) sincere and relatable versions of two sweethearts.

Kerry Ellis and Ramin Karimloo To Headline Godspell Gala

Verbatim Play False Choices To Be Staged At King's Head

Mark Rylance Returns To West End in Nice Fish

Sheridan Smith Returns To Funny Girl Tonight

Little Shop Of Horrors UK Tour Casting Announced

Vanities Comes To Trafalgar Studios 2

Prisoner Cell Block H Star Brings One Woman Show To King's Head

FIRST LOOK: Jesus Christ Superstar Rehearsals

UK's First Gay Play Comes To Kings Head Theatre

FIRST LOOK: Rebel Wilson and Simon Lipkin in Guys And Dolls

FIRST LOOK: Scooby Doo Comes To The London Palladium

Marilyn and Sinatra at Jermyn Street

Peter Schlemiel Transfers to Theatre N16

Amanda Holden Cast As Fairy Godmother in Palladium Cinderella

FIRST LOOK: Tim Minchin's new musical Groundhog Day

Funny Girl UK Tour

FIRST LOOK: Beverley Knight In The Bodyguard

Beautiful Cast Join Carole King In Hyde Park

REVIEW: Barbu, London Wonderground ✭✭✭✭✭

REVIEW: Funny Girl with Natasha J Barnes, Savoy Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Barnes’ Fanny Brice is a musical comedy delicacy, a sumptuous multi-layered confection that should be savoured. On the surface level she tackles Fanny’s big production numbers like Don’t Rain On My Parade and People with ease, but the drama of the piece is also well served.

REVIEW: Bugsy Malone, Lyric Hammersmith ✭✭✭✭✭

The real spark behind this production is Drew McOnie’s blistering choreography. Even though the cast is probably the youngest around, this is the best devised and performed choreography I have seen all year (the only other contender, In the Heights, is another McOnie production).

Night Must Fall UK Tour

Jessie Wallace Joins The Cast Of Chicago On Tour

REVIEW: The Go-Between, Apollo Theatre ✭✭

Apparently The Go-Between started life as a play, and for once the book here, written by David Wood, is not the problem here. The Go Between fails because of its score, which fails at every hurdle. If you are going to The Go-Between to hear Michael Crawford perform Phantom(ish) songs you will be sorely disappointed.

Great Shows To See At Udderbelly and London Wonderground

REVIEW: Vassa Zheleznova, Southwark Playhouse ✭✭✭

Vassa Zheleznova is an ambitious production and the Southwark Playhouse must be commended for taking a real risk on a lesser known text. However, the end result doesn’t quite hit the mark; Brookside meets Gorky is an enjoyable formula but not a winning one.

The Girls To Open In London in January 2017

REVIEW: Gertrude - The Cry, Theatre N16 ✭✭✭✭

Chris Hislop’s direction is shrewd and although parts do push the boundaries, none of the nudity or sex feels in any way gratuitous. Although it is a challenging and complicated play, it was well acted enough to make for an entertaining night out.

Moby Dick Comes To The New Union Theatre

The Wedding Singer UK Tour

REVIEW: Flowers For Mrs Harris, Sheffield Crucible ✭✭✭

VIDEO: Aladdin Opening Night

Not Dead Enough UK Tour

Sunny Afternoon To Close In London

REVIEW: All Male HMS Pinafore, Richmond Theatre ✭✭✭✭

This HMS Pinafore asks us to reflect on a society that has changed considerably, but must keep evolving and continuing to examine itself. Gilbert’s jeering satire of a Victorian society obsessed with class and hierarchy doesn’t seem a million miles away from the problems young people still face in modern Britain.

REVIEW: Aladdin, Prince Edward Theatre ✭✭✭✭

It’s a fast paced, energetic and supremely satisfying night at the theatre, and I daresay one that people will want to return to such is the joy that it brings.

The Stripper Casting Announced

FIRST LOOK: Aladdin at the Prince Edward Theatre

Hamilton To Open In West End In October 2017

West End Live Returns

Tony Awards 2016 - The Winners

Rent UK Tour

REVIEW: Titanic, Charing Cross Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

To my mind Titanic is currently the best show in the West End at the present time. Any lover of musical theatre would be crazy not to get a ticket to experience Titanic.

REVIEW: Lucky Stiff, DVD ✭✭

Whilst Lucky Stiff may be of interest to fanatics for its sheer novelty value, it is so silly and saccharine that it may struggle to find an audience elsewhere.

REVIEW: Twist Of Lemon, St James Theatre Studio ✭✭✭✭

It is a heart-warming night, Chris bluffs and stutters, clearly enjoying impersonating his father through his famous lines, but personally I preferred it when he spoke plainly as himself.

FIRST LOOK: Harry Potter And The Cursed Child

REVIEW: Musicals Unsung, St James Theatre Studio ✭✭✭✭

An Inspector Calls Comes To The Playhouse Theatre

Further Cast Announced For King Lear At The Old Vic - Book Now

The Old Vic 2016-17 Season. Now On Sale

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show UK Tour

Casting Announced For Cinderella At The London Palladium

Andrew Lloyd Webber's School Of Rock - Now On Sale

Rebel Wilson Joins The Cast Of Guys And Dolls

THE BIG INTERVIEW: Maury Yeston Composer of Titanic

Elaine Paige - Stripped Back UK Tour

FIRST LOOK: Titanic - Charing Cross Theatre

REVIEW: Monster Raving Loony, Soho Theatre ✭✭✭✭

With the audience donning party hats and at times encouraged to participate, it is an entertaining show that slips in plenty of sharp insights into British politics and society.

Rachel Tucker Returns For Wicked's 10th Birthday

An Evening With Charlie Sheen at Theatre Royal Dury Lane

Disney On Ice - Frozen UK Tour

Matt Smith To Star In Unreachable At Royal Court

Chaplin UK Tour

REVIEW: The Great American Trailer Park Musical, Waterloo East Theatre ✭✭✭

The Great American Trailer Park musical is in effect just too damn likeable. It’s not a great musical, it doesn’t have to be, it’s just a great evening of fun with a great cast. Go as a group, have a few glasses of wine and just enjoy.

Fiasco Theatre Brings Into The Woods To The Menier

FIRST LOOK: Parade at Hope Mill Theatre - Manchester

REVIEW: Christian Holder, SUITE 60, Crazy Coqs ✭✭✭✭

Nothing about an evening of Christian Holder in cabaret is what you expect it might be. If you are expecting an evening of songs, rolled out one after another, you’ll be disappointed. This is far more than that.

FIRST LOOK: Aladdin In Rehearsals

It Is Easy To be Dead Comes To Finborough Theatre

Nicholas Afoa Joins The Cast Of The Lion King

Casting Announced for 1984 at Playhouse Theatre

Sir Howard Panter and Rosemary Squire Announce New Roles

Lisa Spirling Appointed Artistic Director At Theatre503

A Filthy Take On Hamlet Comes To TheatreN16

Nigel Lindsay Joins The West End Cast Of Guys And Dolls

Bugsy Malone Returns To Lyric Hammersmith

REVIEW: People, Places and Things, Wyndham's Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Jamie Muscato To Star In John Osborn Drama

Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer Of The Year and Stiles And Drewe Prize Winners Announced.

Dearman and Pitt-Pulford Join Together for Side Show The Musical

Natasha J Barnes To Play Fanny As Sheridan Smith Takes Leave Of Absence

REVIEW: Jack And Louisa ✭✭✭✭

Wonderland UK Tour

Little Voice Casting For Union Theatre Announced

Lady Day Performances Postponed As Audra Announces Pregnancy.

Show Boat To Close Early

Wicked Announces International Tour Cast

Rotterdam Transfers To Trafalgar Studios

Jon Brittain's play Rotterdam will transfer from Theatre503 to Trafalgar Studios for a limited season from 26 July to 27 August 2016.

Rodgers And Hammerstein's Allegro Gets European Premiere

Starting A Theatre Company From Scratch - Episode 2

FIRST LOOK: Kenneth Branagh In The Entertainer

Five Reasons To See: The Phantom Of the Opera

REVIEW: The Diary Of A Hounslow Girl, Oval House (UK Tour) ✭✭✭✭✭

I can only highly recommend this piece and suggest that if it is coming to a theatre near you that you invest in a ticket and experience the play for yourself. I doubt you will see something more moving or a performance as strong from such a young performer any time soon.

The Boys In The Band UK Tour

FIRST LOOK: The Buskers Opera at Park Theatre

REVIEW: Richard II, Arcola Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Macbeth When asked to reflect on Shakespeare’s most ‘political’ plays, many of us would say and Richard III without a thought. Such is the astonishing influence of House of Cards, whose iterations are both strongly influenced by these political tragedies. Consequently this ‘new version’ of Richard II, which retains Shakespeare’s text but is set in modern-day Parliament, risks unfavourable comparisons. In fact, it is a very shrewd interpretation, with excellent performances from the two leads, a very solid supporting cast, and a simple but highly effective set.

FIRST LOOK - Lawrence After Arabia at Hampstead Theatre

Casting Announced For Through The Mill

Country Musical To Open At Queen's Theatre

Youth Based Secret Garden To Open In The West End

Starting A Theatre Company From Scratch - Episode 1

REVIEW: Footloose, New Wimbledon Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Footloose had all 1600 people at the New Wimbledon Theatre last night on their feet dancing at the end with pure joy!

Tony Awards 2016 - Nominees Announced

REVIEW: The Toxic Avenger, Southwark Playhouse ✭✭✭✭✭

REVIEW: Down And Out In Paris And London, New Diorama Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Down And Out In Paris And London is must-see theatre. Concise, brilliantly performed and with megatons of dramatic punch, this is a piece that needs to be seen by those in power.

Big The Musical

REVIEW: Shit-Faced Shakespeare, Leicester Square Theatre ✭✭✭✭

: The official website for Shit-faced Shakespeare, the unholy offspring of Magnificent Bastard Productions, describes their show as “the deeply highbrow fusion of an entirely serious Shakespeare play with an entirely shit-faced cast member.” Nevertheless, it inspires a certain amount of suspicion. Surely there wouldn’t actually be a drunk cast member? Wouldn’t it be dangerous? And wouldn’t a drunk person performing on stage be incredibly obnoxious? In fact, it is very real, all necessary precautions are taken, and it is extraordinarily entertaining.

FIRST LOOK: The Toxic Avenger at Southwark Playhouse

FIRST LISTEN: Alexandra Burke in Sister Act

REVIEW: Doctor Faustus, Duke Of Yorks Theatre ✭✭

Doctor Faustus is a production that tries to achieve a lot, and only partially succeeds. It is an artfully staged production that is high in intensity but critically low in heart and coherence.

History Making Richard II Staged In Houses Of Parliament

REVIEW: The Comedy About A Bank Robbery, Criterion Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

The Comedy About A Bank Robbery is uproariously funny. It is irreverent and energetic, with a versatile and imaginative set that lends itself brilliantly to unapologetic silliness. Perhaps most importantly, the script is not only very clever, but its characters are extremely consistent. They are desperate to fulfil their best laid plans, so when things go wrong, you really feel for them. Then things keep getting worse, and worse. And the belly laughs pour forth.

UK Premiere of An American In Paris Coming To The Dominion Theatre

REVIEW: Ann Hampton Callaway, Crazy Coqs ✭✭✭✭✭

FIRST LOOK: Funny Girl at the Savoy Theatre

Parliamentary Drama This House Comes To The Garrick

Special Offer - Best Of British Pop at the London Cabaret Club

REVIEW: Funny Girl, Savoy Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Victoria Wood Dies Aged 62

Lotty's War UK Tour

Jungle Book UK Tour

Queens Of Syria - Syrian Refugees Perform Euripides

Casting Announced As Titanic Returns

Rosemary Ashe To Star In Great American Trailer Park Musical

The Quiet House - IVF Drama At Park Theatre

Devlish! - The Angel Has Landed At The Landor Theatre

Lennon Tribute Opens in Liverpool Tonight.

Marvel Universe Live Comes To The UK

Jane Fonda Drama Comes To The Park Theatre

Stone Face - New Premiere at The Finborough

FIRST LOOK: Goosebumps at The Vaults

Dirty Dancing UK Tour - Casting Announced

Rediscovered John Osborne Play To Be Staged At The Finborough

Save The Last Dance For Me UK Tour

REVIEW: Kinky Boots, London Cast Recording ✭✭✭✭

Casting Announced For The Go-Between

REVIEW: Deathwatch, Print Room At The Coronet ✭✭✭

FIRST LOOK - Show Boat at the New London Theatre

BUG releases 1000 more seats

Cinderella Returns To The London Palladium This Christmas

Jersey Boys London Celebrate 8th Anniversary

That's Entertainment UK Tour

Ellen Kent's La Boheme UK Tour

London Premiere of Orwell Toynbee Drama

REVIEW: Forever Plaid, St James Studio ✭✭✭✭

During the show The Plaids talk about ‘the blend’ and as the show progresses you understand exactly what they mean. The musicianship onstage both vocal and instrumental is considerable.

Billy Elliot's Final Victoria Palace Performance

American Idiot Returns To The Arts Theatre in July 2016