Theatre News & Reviews: 2017

REVIEW: Dick Whittington, London Palladium ✭✭✭✭✭

Douglas Mayo reviews Dick Whittington starring Charlie Stemp, Julian Clary and Elaine Paige at the London Palladium. Book Now!

My 2017 Theatre Highlights - Douglas Mayo

Top Touring Shows of 2017

REVIEW: Alles Schwindel, Maxim Gorki Theater Berlin ✭✭✭✭✭

It was all huge fun and I can't wait to discover more of the work of this lovely maker of musical comedies, who became one of our very own, the inestimable Herr Spoliansky.

FIRST LOOK: Bananaman the musical at Southwark Playhouse

My 2017 Theatre Highlights - Mark Ludmon

My 2017 Theatre Highlights - Julian Eaves

REVIEW: Must Close Saturday, The Decline and Fall Of The British Musical Flop ✭✭✭✭

West End musicals to look out for in 2018

Hamilton celebrates London opening with Ham4Ham Brit Pop Tribute

My 2017 Theatre Highlights - Sophie Adnitt

We asked our review team to nominate their 2017 theatre highlights. Sophie Adnitt nominated her favourites.

My 2017 Theatre Highlights - Paul T Davies

Rhys Ifans to star in Mood Music at Old Vic

Following his acclaimed performance in A Christmas Carol, Rhys Ifans is to star in the World Premiere of Joe Penhall's play Mood Music at The Old Vic in May.

Chicago returns to London's Phoenix Theatre

REVIEW: Hamilton, Victoria Palace Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Lin-Manuel's Hamilton is nothing short of brilliant. It's intelligent, entertaining, and is bringing an entirely new audience to musical theatre. Believe the hype and book tickets

REVIEW: Goosed, Royal Vauxhall Tavern ✭✭✭✭

Goosed is full of all the broad comedy, saucy innuendo, silliness and audience interaction that families relish in a festive panto but this is definitely not one for the kids.

REVIEW: The Grinning Man, Trafalgar Studios 1 ✭✭✭✭✭

Bristol Old Vic’s production will probably always stand in the shadow of the world conquering, barricade storming Les Misrables, but The Grinning Man is a macabre, melodramatic, Gothic masterpiece in its own right.

REVIEW: Belleville, Donmar Warehouse ✭✭✭✭

The Donmar is the perfect venue for a tense thriller like Belleville, a claustrophobic chamber piece of a thriller that delivers on so many levels.

REVIEW: Top Hat, Upstairs at the Gathouse ✭✭✭✭✭

Heaven! This is heaven! Julian Eaves reviews Irving Berlin's Top Hat the musical Upstairs at The Gatehouse starring Joanna Clifton and Joshua Lay. Book Now!

Cast announced for new James Graham play at Hull Truck

The cast has been announced for a new play by James Graham, based on Hull's UK City of Culture festival.

REVIEW: Pinocchio, National Theatre ✭✭✭

Full marks to the National for having a jolly good go with this attempt; it may yet be made to work as well as the show clearly intends to. But more work it will need before that happens.

REVIEW: Misalliance, Orange Tree Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Mark Ludmon reviews the sparkling new production of Shaw's lesser-known play Misalliance at the Orange Tree Theatre

REVIEW: A Christmas Carol, Lyceum Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

REVIEW: Cell Mates, Hampstead Theatre ✭✭✭

REVIEW: The Secret Seven, Storyhouse Chester ✭✭✭✭✭

The Secret Seven is terrific entertainment for children and adults alike. A must-see over the festive period!

REVIEW: La Boheme, Trafalgar Studios ✭✭✭✭✭

If you have ever yearned to be a starving artist in a garret, this could well be the production to convince you it’s a good idea. Unmissable!

REVIEW: Daisy Pulls It Off, Park Theatre ✭✭✭✭

While it may poke fun at these values, Daisy Pulls It Off at the Park Theatre doesn’t pretend to be anything other than a lot of jolly good fun.

REVIEW: The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe, West Yorkshire Playhouse ✭✭✭✭✭

Jim Broadbent stars in new Martin McDonagh play at Bridge Theatre

The Bridge Theatre is to premiere a new playA Very Very Very Dark Matter by Martin McDonagh next autumn with a cast led by Jim Broadbent.

REVIEW: The Barricade Boys, The Other Palace ✭✭✭✭✭

National Theatre's Beginning Recieves West End Transfer

Following a critically acclaimed, sold-out season at the National Theatre, David Eldridge's anti-romance Beginning will transfer to the Ambassadors Theatre

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre Announce 2018 Season

FIRST LOOK: The Rat Pack takeover the Theatre Royal Haymarket

FIRST LOOK: Hamilton starts previews at the Victoria Palace Theatre

REVIEW: A Christmas Carol, Old Vic Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Dizzyingly joyful, expertly crafted and with a smart social conscience, it’s safe to say that this is the Carol to see this Christmas.

REVIEW: The Woman In White, Charing Cross Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

REVIEW: Dear Brutus, Southwark Playhouse ✭✭✭✭

With its mixture of magic and comedy, this is an assured revival that offers some entertaining escapism which, although set at midsummer, is a perfect antidote to midwinter.

Bat Out Of Hell to play Dominion Theatre London in 2018

FIRST LOOK: The Woman In White at Charing Cross Theatre

REVIEW: Soul Holiday. Marisha Wallace Live, Charing Cross Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

It's a long way from Eggie White & London is all the richer for having this diva, no strike that, this dame in the West End. Marisha Wallace is A class act!

FIRST LOOK: Pinocchio at the National Theatre

REVIEW: Animus, Laban Theatre

Julian Eaves reviews new musical Animus by Michael Webborn and Daniel Finn performed by students at Trinity Laban.

REVIEW: Goats, Royal Court Theatre ✭✭

It’s refreshing to go to something without such barefaced moralising but I can’t say I really enjoyed it. No kidding.

Doodle - A comedy World War II musical comes to Waterloo East

Doodle a new comedy World War 2 musical by Jonathan Kydd and Andy Street comes to Waterloo East Theatre in January 2018. Book Now!

Penelope Wilton to lead cast of Old Vic’s Fanny and Alexander

Casting has been announced for the stage adaptation of Ingmar Bergman’s classic film Fanny and Alexander at the Old Vic, led by Penelope Wilton. Book Now!

West End transfer for Chichester production of James Graham’s Quiz

The acclaimed Chichester Festival Theatre production of Quiz is to become the latest play by James Graham to transfer to London.

Full casting announced for Girl From The North Country

Full casting has been announced for Bob Dylan and Conor McPherson's musical Girl From The North Country which transfers to the Noel Coward Theatre.

REVIEW: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Mercury Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Mercury Theatre Colchester will lift your spirits and send you out into the cold air feeling like a summer’s day!

Six The Musical announces Cast and Creatives

REVIEW: The Passing Of The Third Floor Back, Finborough Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Mark Ludmon reviews Jerome K Jerome's The Passing Of The Third Floor Back now playing at the Finborough Theatre

REVIEW: The Tin Drum, West Yorkshire Playhouse ✭✭✭✭

REVIEW: Red Riding Hood, New Wolsey Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

if you weren’t in a festive mood before you entered the theatre, I guarantee you will be when you leave! A howling success!

Lucy O'Byrne and Neil McDermott lead 2018 The Sound Of Music UK Tour

Lucy O'Byrne and Neil McDermott will lead The Sound of Music UK Tour in 2018 as Maria and Captain Von Trapp. Book Now!

Samantha Barks to star in Pretty Woman the musical on Broadway

Samantha Barks is to star in the musical stage adaptation of the hit film Pretty Woman as Vivian when it opens on Broadway in 2018.

Theatre Royal Plymouth brings new plays to London

A mini-season of plays that had their UK premieres at The Drum at Theatre Royal Plymouth is to run in repertoire at London’s Southwark Playhouse from January.

REVIEW: Everybody's Talking About Jamie, Apollo Theatre London ✭✭✭✭✭

Mark Ludmon is wowed by exuberant new musical Everybody's Talking About Jamie at Apollo Theatre. Book now!

REVIEW: Privates On Parade, Union Theatre ✭✭✭✭

As Privates On Parade celebrates its 40th anniversary, this brilliantly confidant and assured play has lost none of its relevance.

REVIEW: Fiver the musical, Crazy Coqs at Brasserie Zedel ✭✭✭✭

The onward march of the Crazy Coqs is pioneering new musical theatre writing continues with Fiver an utterly delicious score by new writers of the book, music and lyrics, Alex James Ellison and Tom Lees.

Michael Grandage returns to the West End in 2018

The Michael Grandage Company is to return to the West End in 2018 with two new productions – Red by John Logan and The Lieutenant of Inishmore by Martin McDonagh

Kathleen Turner Finding My Voice UK Tour - Book Now!

Two-time Tony Award nominee and two-time Golden Globe Award winner Kathleen Turner brings her one woman show Finding My Voice to London.

FIRST LOOK: Jack and the Beanstalk at Lyric Hammersmith

Palace Theatre Manchester

The Palace Theatre Manchester is one of the city's foremost entertainment venues. Find out what's on at the Palace Theatre Manchester

Final Casting Announced for London Musical Theatre Orchestra's A Christmas Carol

The London Musical Theatre Orchestra have announced full casting for their spectacular concert version of A Christmas Carol at the Lyceum Theatre London

FIRST LOOK: Cinderella at Hackney Empire - Christmas 2017

Cinderella is set to go to the ball in this year's family pantomime Cincerella at the Hackney Empire Theatre until 31 December 2017.

Dad Wrote A Porno UK Tour - Live On Stage

The team behind the smash hit podcast My Dad Wrote A Porno are bringing their hilarious live adaption on tour which visits venues across the UK

Go Barking Mad with The Hound of the Baskervilles at Jermyn St

Jermyn Street Theatre will present the riotously funny three man adaptation of The Hound Of The Baskervilles this Christmas.

Mercury Theatre Colchester

Just an hour from London and highly accessible, the Mercury Theatre Colchester has stood proudly on its current site since 1972, with the main house and studio theatre offering a combined capacity of 586 seats.

Divorced - Beheaded - Live. Six the musical comes to the Arts Theatre

From Tudor queens to pop princesses, the 6 wives of Henry VIII sing their way out of the history books and into the spotlight in the London premiere of Six

Dancing On Ice UK Tour 2018 with Torvill and Dean

The Dancing On Ice UK Tour 2018 is back in 2018 starring the legendary Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean. Tickets on sale 8am on Fri 24 Nov 2017.

FIRST LOOK: Kay Mellor's Fat Friends the Musical opens in Leeds

Producers of Kay Mellor's Fat Friends the Musical have released these great production images by Helen Maybanks ahead of the shows UK tour.

Fear and Misery of the Third Reich comes to Brockley Jack

Aequitas Theatre Company are to present Bertolt Brecht’s Fear and Misery of the Third Reich at the Brockley Jack Studio Theatre

Shit-faced Shakespeare return in 2018 with two new productions

Shit-faced Shakespeare return in 2018 with Romeo and Juliet and The Merchant Of Venice at London's Leicester Square Theatre.

Casting announced for Top Hat at The Gatehouse

This Christmas Ovation Productions returns to Upstairs At The Gatehouse with Irving Berlin's’ Top Hat from 13 December 2017 – 28 January 2018.

REVIEW: Spongebob Squarepants The Musical, Original Cast Recording ✭✭✭✭

That list of writers and the subject matter alone will probably have Broadway purists heading for the exits, but you know what? It works!

REVIEW: Miss Julie, Jermyn Street Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Miss Julie is a powerhouse production and Tom Littler’s direction ensures every word and silence aches with feeling; it should not be missed.

REVIEW: Rasputin Rocks, Stockwell Playhouse ✭✭

When you hear that a pair of writers have been working on a show for 10 years before finally bringing it to the stage to find out what it works like in reality, you are - perhaps wisely - cautious.

The King and I comes to the London Palladium for limited engagement

The Lincoln Centre production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's The King and I starring Kelli O'Hara and Ken Watanabe transfers to the London Palladium in 2018.

REVIEW: Picasso, Playground Theatre ✭✭

If you think Picasso might be your sort of thing, then do go. However, you might want to think twice.

INTERVIEW: Ivo Van Hove on Hedda Gabler

FIRST LOOK: Nativity The Musical

Carey Mulligan cast in Dennis Kelly's Girls and Boy at Royal Court

The Royal Court has announced that Carey Mulligan has been cast in the world premiere of Dennis Kelly's play Girls and Boys.

Casting announced for Jerome K Jerome rediscovery at Finborough Theatre

a unique rediscovery of The Passing Of The Third Floor Back by Jerome K Jerome, author of Three Men In A Boat is to open at the Finborough Theatre from 28 November 2017

Long Day's Journey Into Night Announces Casting and US dates

Full casting and USA dates are announced for Richard Eyre's production of Long Day's Journey Into Night at Wyndham's Theatre. Book Now!

Dreamgirls' Marisha Wallace performs two intimate concerts in London

As she prepares to take over the role of Effie in Dreamgirls Marisha Wallace announced two concerts at the Charing Cross Theatre. Book Now!

REVIEW: Network, Lyttelton, National Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Paul T Davies reviews Lee Hall's adaptation of Network starring Bryan Cranston, Douglas Henshall and Michelle Dockery at the National Theatre.

Darcey Bussell, Susan Calman and Jonnie Peacock join Strictly Come Dancing Tour

TV judge Darcey Bussell, comedian Susan Calman and Double Paralympic Champion Jonnie Peacock will all be joining the Strictly Come Dancing Live UK Tour.

West End cast announced for Baz Luhrmann's Strictly Ballroom

Will Young, Jonny Labey and Zizi Strallen will lead the cast of Baz Luhrmann's Strictly Ballroom the musical when it opens at London's Piccadilly Theatre.

REVIEW: Things I Know To Be True, Storyhouse Chester ✭✭✭✭✭

Ashley Kurtz reviews Frantic Assembly's tour of Andrew Bovell's Thing I Know To Be True at Storyhouse Chester as part of its UK Tour. Book Now!

REVIEW: Mother Courage and her Children, Southwark Playhouse ✭✭✭✭

With it’s eerie echoes of today’s top news stories, Mother Courage and her Children makes for some thought-provoking viewing. Add in a show-stealing performance from Lawrence, and this could be essential theatre viewing for November.

REVIEW: Big Fish, The Other Palace ✭✭✭✭✭

You would be a hard-hearted soul not to shed a tear (as I did) by the end of this musical based on Grammer's performance.

SHOW OF THE MONTH - Annie - Save up to 41%

Show Ohe Month - Book tickets for Annie at the Piccadilly Theatre and save up to 41% on top price tickets. Book Now!

Casting Announced for Dear Brutus at Southwark Playhouse

Casting has been announced for J M Barrie's rarely performed play Dear Brutus which is to be performed in its centenary year at Southwark Playhouse.

David Burt to reprise Scrooge role in Antic Disposition's A Christmas Carol

West End star David Burt will reprise his acclaimed performance as Ebenezer Scrooge in Antic Disposition's production of A Christmas Carol to be presented in Middle Temple Hall

David Thaxton returns to the role of Javert in January 2018

Cameron Mackintosh confirmed today that David Thaxton would return to the role of Javert in the London cast of Les Miserables

FIRST LOOK: Josie Lawrence in Mother Courage and her Children

Casting Announced for Will Eno's The Open House

Casting is announced for Will Eno's The Open House which is to Play at the Theatre Royal Bath and Print Room London. Book Now!

Mamma Mia London extends bookings until October 2018

As Mamma Mia! heads towards its 19th birthday in London's West End on 6 April 2018, producers have extended the show's booking period at the Novello Theatre.

FIRST LOOK AND LISTEN: The First Revival of The Woman In White

Walking With Dinosaurs Arena Spectacular UK Tour

Walking With Dinosaurs the Arena Spectacular is back in 2018. Book tickets for your family now!

INTERVIEW: John Du Prez on Monty Python's Spamalot

Howard Brenton's adaptation of Miss Julie to recieve London premiere

Howard Brenton's adaptation of August Strindberg's Miss Julie to have its London premiere at Jermyn Street Theatre. Book Now!

West End casting announced for Girl From The North Country

Casting has been announced for the West End transfer of Girl From The North Country by Bob Dylan and Conor McPherson. Book Now!

New cast announced as Dreamgirls celebrates first birthday

As Dreamgirls approaches its first birthday at London's Savoy Theatre, producer Sonia Friedman Productions has announced new casting. Book Now!

More Theatre Podcasts We Listen To

We look at some more great musical theatre podcasts including The Hamilcast, Every Musical Ever and Jimmi and Tomic's Musical Theatre Happy Hour.

Immersive Trainspotting Live returns to London in March 2018

Trainspotting Live returns to London in an immersive production at the Vaults following a pre-London tour. Book Now!

REVIEW: Heather, Bush Theatre ✭✭✭✭

A sharp shot of highly creative storytelling, Heather is well worth a visit to witness just what can be achieved with any limitations

REVIEW: The Exorcist, Phoenix Theatre ✭✭✭

If you go prepared to be scared, like the audience members who got their feet at the curtain call, you will be, and if, like the woman being helped out of the theatre because she was still laughing hysterically at the Devil, you go to be entertained, then you will be.

FIRST LOOK: A Halloween Opening for the Exorcist at the Phoenix Theatre

REVIEW: Lord Dismiss Us, Above The Stag ✭✭✭✭

Lord Dismiss Us is packed choc-full of nifty one-liners and often lovely double-entendres, the occasional song or prayer, a spot of amateur dramatics, and laced it with a smattering of menace, seduction, threats, guilt, violence, betrayal and redemption through creativity.

REVIEW: Young Marx, Bridge Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Bean and Coleman don't put a foot wrong. Briskly plotted, dizzily paced with doors flying shut and open with split-second timing, revealing and concealing the players with all the aplomb of a delicious Deuxieme Empire farce, Young Marx is a racy, gallivanting romp, making the earnest lead a figure of fun.

Bananaman the musical cast announced

Casting was today announced for Bananaman the musical which is to run at Southwark Playhouse from 15 December 2017.

Pippin to transfer to Southwark Playhouse from Hope Mill Theatre

Jonathan O'Boyle's production of Stephen Schwartz's Tony Award-winning musical Pippin will transfer to Southwark Playhouse in February 2018.

REVIEW: When Midnight Strikes, Drayton Arms Pub Theatre ✭✭✭

REVIEW: Much Ado About Hero, Theatre N16 ✭✭✭

This was a memorable debut and I count myself very fortunate to have been present at it. I shall watch out - with great interest - for more work coming from the inestimable talents of Ms Clare and Co.

REVIEW: Insignificance, Arcola Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Thirty five years on, Johnson’s play Insignificance still dazzles in its wit, intelligence and word play.

Meera Syal to play Miss Hannigan in West End Annie

Meera Syal is to join the West End production of Annie in the role of Miss Hannigan from 27 November 2017 for the duration of the run

REVIEW: The Lady From The Sea, Donmar Warehouse ✭✭✭✭

While The Lady from the Sea dates back to 1888 and has been relocated to the 1950s, Ellida’s turmoil has a very modern feel as she struggles to find an identity for herself as an individual outside of her relationship to the men in her life.

Full casting announced for 25th Anniversary production of The Tailor-Made Man

Final casting is announced today for 25th anniversary production in London of The Tailor-Made Man at the White Bear Theatre

FIRST LOOK: Dr Seuss' The Lorax returns to the Old Vic

REVIEW: The Terrible Infants, Wilton's Music Hall ✭✭✭✭✭

It is a very welcome return for this mesmerising spectacle full of delight for grown-ups and children.

REVIEW: A Woman Of No Importance, Vaudeville Theatre ✭✭✭

Whilst Wilde’s intelligent witticisms are successfully displayed here, and despite there being some good performances, ‘A Woman of No Importance’ feels far too long, and a sense of momentum and buzz is missing.

Adrienne Warren to play Tina Turner in Tina Musical

REVIEW: Legally Blonde the musical, New Victoria Theatre Woking ✭✭✭✭✭

This Legally Blonde is as perfect as I could have asked for.. Oh my God you guys - don't delay, book your tickets!

UPCOMING: The Break - a new musical

Stomp to close record breaking London run on 7 January 2018

The Exorcist to feature the voice of a Devilish Ian McKellen

Adult casting announced for Matilda UK Tour

FIRST LOOK: The Bridge Theatre, London's Newest Theatre

REVIEW: What Shadows, Park Theatre ✭✭✭✭

What Shadows is a seriously meaty play, full of challenging ideas, brought to life through a strong cast and Roxana Silbert's well-paced direction.

REVIEW: Metropolis, Ye Olde Rose And Crowne ✭✭✭✭✭

Metropolis is the kind of show that makes you want to go and see it again, and again. Rush to get tickets to what will be one of the fastest selling shows of the year.

REVIEW: Beginning, National Theatre ✭✭✭✭

At times very funny, Beginning also has moments of heart-breaking intensity but without becoming sentimental. It is a masterful two-hander that will especially resonate with anyone who finds themselves single as they face middle age.

REVIEW: The Seagull, Lyric Hammersmith ✭✭✭✭✭

A rare production that has both style and substance, Stephens and Chekhov have made a winning match.

REVIEW: Saint George and the Dragon, National Theatre ✭✭

The Dragon that the National are grabbling with is to find a hit new play on the Olivier stage. On the evidence of this, they’ll be waiting a long time for a hero to charge in.

REVIEW: Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein, Garrick Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Young Frankenstein is a zany, fun-filled, musical entertainment that will keep you laughing from start to finish.

REVIEW: Hair The Musical, The Vaults London ✭✭✭✭

As the gloomy winter approaches, Hair’s fabulous music and energy is a guaranteed to give you a ray of sunshine.

Small Faces musical finds West End home

All or Nothing – The Mod Musical, based on the story of legendary 1960s rock band Small Faces, is to play a limited West End season after its third sell-out tour

Ball and Boe attempt world record to celebrate new album

Cast announced for Nottingham Playhouse’s Cherry Orchard

The cast has been announced for The Cherry Orchard at Nottingham Playhouse – the last production for outgoing artistic director Giles Croft.

FIRST LOOK: The cast of Nativity The Musical UK Tour

FIRST LOOK: Will Young and Louise Redknapp in Cabaret UK Tour

REVIEW: Heisenberg - The Uncertainty Principle, Wyndham's Theatre ✭✭✭

The first production from Elliot and Harper Productions, its Marianne Elliot’s first direction since her majestic Angels in America. Although the canvas is smaller, the questions are still big.

Cast announced for The Dark Room at Theatre503

Bare cast reunites for charity performance at The Other Palace

The Importance Of Being Earnest UK Tour 2018

FIRST LOOK: The Seagull at Lyric Hammersmith

REVIEW: Graeme Of Thrones, Charing Cross Theatre ✭✭

REVIEW: (The Fall Of) The Master Builder, West Yorkshire Playhouse ✭✭✭✭

REVIEW: Flashdance the musical, UK Tour ✭✭✭

What you are left with in Flashdance is a series of great productions numbers that have the audience wanting to have fun but no show to support them.

Pinocchio rehearsals start at the National Theatre

Rehearsals have begun for a new production of Pinocchio at the National Theatre directed by John Tiffany nased on the Walt Disney film.

REVIEW: Labour Of Love, Noel Coward Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Under Jeremy Herrin’s slick direction, Martin Freeman and Tamsin Greig are a delight, the Beatrice and Benedict of the Ballot Box.

FIRST LOOK: The Band Musical UK Tour

Girl From The North Country Transfers to Noel Coward Theatre

Everybody's Talking About Jamie Casting Announced

REVIEW: The Toxic Avenger, Arts Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

There´s enough to enjoy here to merit the price of the ticket. So, go on, you deserve it. Indulge yourself!

FIRST LOOK: The Toxic Avenger Musical at Arts Theatre London

Casting announced for UK Tour of Matthew Bourne's Cinderella

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons UK Tour

The Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons UK tour 2020 sees Frankie return to London Nottngham and Liverpool. If you loved Jersey Boys book now to see the man that inspired it all.

REVIEW: Judith, Mercury Theatre Colchester ✭✭

The actors are given little to develop and work with, and, at fifty minutes, the audience were unsure of the ending- indeed, it felt that there had been very little progression.

REVIEW: Mack and Mabel in Concert, Hackney Empire ✭✭✭✭✭

an LMTO show is - ultimately - all about the orchestra. Here we got the full 32-pieces of the publishers´ dreams, and this was - we were reliably informed - the biggest band EVER assembled for any performance of this exquisite score. They played magnificently.

Does the Circus Still Have a Place in Britain?

With so many new themes to explore in this modern world, perhaps circuses really aren’t lost forever to British audiences. Instead, they are taking over our festivals and our theatres, giving audiences the chance to see a story and a splendid array of skills unlike any other in the world.

REVIEW: The Addams Family, New Victoria Theatre Woking ✭✭✭✭✭

The writers, creatives and cast of The Addams Family have created something that I could easily re-visit several times and be sure of finding more on each visit.

REVIEW: Lucky Stiff, Union Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Lucky Stiff is a fun night out, beautifully realised with an original take on a well-worn concept, and with much to bring a smile to the lips.

Three Circus Companies to Catch in the UK this Winter

Wherever you live in the UK, you won’t be far from one of these three great circuses’ touring venues in the next few months. Make sure you don’t miss out!

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

Every molecule of the space of the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs is packed with the energy, enthusiasm, passion and commitment of the seven strong ensemble.

Wicked UK Tour Cast Announced

The producers of the upcoming Wicked UK tour have announced casting for the tour which starts at the Bristol Hippodrome on 31 January 2018.

REVIEW: Le Grand Mort, Trafalgar Studios 2 ✭✭✭

Julian Clary’s comedic timing is faultless, and James Nelson-Joyce is progressively intimidating as the two characters fight for dominance.

The Cher Show Announces 2018 Broadway Opening at Neil Simon Theatre

The Cher Show, a new musical based on the life and six-decade career of the iconic performer will open on Broadway in Fall 2018 after a Chicago preview.

Wicked releases new character portraits as it celebrates 12 years in London

Young Vic announces new artistic director

Leading director and playwright Kwame Kwei-Armah has been announced as the new artistic director of London's Young Vic theatre.

UK's most welcoming theatres revealed in public vote

The UK's most welcoming theatres have been announced in an award voted on by the public.

FIRST LOOK: Duet For One UK Tour Images

We are pleased to bring you these first look production images for the Duet for One UK Tour which is now playing at Birmingham Repertory Theatre

Frances Barber to star in musical drama in Manchester

Frances Barber is to star in a new production of Shane Cullinan’s musical drama The Pietà at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester in October.

REVIEW: Ramona Tells Jim, Bush Studio Theatre ✭✭✭

Ramona Tells Jim is an impressive, entertaining debut that will make you laugh despite the darkness underneath.

REVIEW: 35MM A Musical Exhibition, The Other Palace ✭✭✭✭✭

The score does not just reflects them, however, but much more ingeniously it also reflects the conventional tropes and gestures of musical theatre

Casting announced for Strangers On A Train UK Tour 2018

Patti LuPone and Rosalie Craig to star in reimagined Company

Marianne Elliott will direct a new production of Company, Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's award-winning musical at the Gielgud Theatre from 26 September 2018 for a limited season.

Jennifer Saunders joins cast of Lady Windemere's Fan at Vaudeville Theatre

Jennifer Saunders is to play the Duchess of Berwick in Kathy Burke's eagerly anticipated production of Oscar Wilde's Lady Windemere's Fan

ART UK Tour starring Denis Lawson, Stephen Tompkinson and Nigel Havers

Stephen Tomkinson, Nigel Havers and Denis Lawson are to star in the UK tour of Yasmina Reza's award-winning play Art in early 2018.

Cast announced for Arthur Miller's All My Sons at Nottingham Playhouse

Milly Thomas' Dust transfers to Soho Theatre

FIRST LOOK: Ria Jones and Danny Mac in Sunset Boulevard UK Tour

The Historical Importance of Britain’s Old Theatres as Bingo Halls

The growing popularity of the game of bingo in this same period meant that switching a building’s use from a theater to a bingo hall was a smart move to fill it up again and make it useful.

Theatrical chills assured at Brighton Horrorfest 2017

Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour 2018 Announced

FIRST LOOK: Legally Blonde UK Tour starring Lucie Jones

Cast announced for The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe at West Yorkshire Playhouse

Strangers In Between and La Boheme transfer to Trafalgar Studios

Casting announced for world premiere of The Exorcist

Top Hat comes to Upstairs at the Gatehouse

Full casting announced for Nativity the musical UK tour

REVIEW: Oslo, National Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Under director Bartlett Sher, Oslo's running time of three hours including interval zips along with barely a lull in the action.

Tina the musical World Premiere at Aldwych Theatre in April 2018

FIRST LOOK: Disney's Frozen the musical, Denver USA

REVIEW: Eyes Closed Ears Covered, Bunker Theatre ✭✭✭

It's fascinating to see and clearly points towards interesting and thought-provoking new talents. Quite what it all might mean is, possibly, something that only individual audience members will be able to decipher.

REVIEW: Holding The Man, Above The Stag ✭✭✭✭✭

Tim and John’s story continues to resonate with so many people. It can only be hoped that as many people as possible with see this remarkable production and will spread the word further.

REVIEW: The State Of Things, Brockley Jack Studio Theatre ✭✭✭✭

It's been a long time since I welcomed a score with such eagerness and pleasure, one that has such immediate widespread appeal, and which also instantly creates a powerful sense of character and attitude.

REVIEW: The Weir, Mercury Theatre Colchester ✭✭✭✭

That aside, this production of The Weir will make you want to pour a Guinness, get close to the fire, and listen to these people tell their stories.

REVIEW: Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, New Victoria Theater ✭✭✭✭

McElderry’s Joseph is extremely likeable and he quite literally blows the roof off the theatre vocally. It’s a performance that is unequalled by any of the many Joseph’s I’ve ever seen.

REVIEW: The Ladykillers, New Wolsey Theatre ✭✭✭

It’s a risk to stage a production of a much loved film, and, overall, the Wolsey manages to pull it off, although the production doesn’t quite reach the comedic highs it could have.

Take That surprise audience at The Band.

Anna O'Byrne cast in first London revival of The Woman In White

Harold Pinter's The Birthday Party recieves major revival

REVIEW: Doubt A Parable, Southwark Playhouse ✭✭✭✭

The 90-minute run offers a breathless battle of wit and conviction between Flynn and Aloysius, tautly directed by Ché Walker.

REVIEW: Partition, West Yorkshire Playhouse ✭✭✭✭✭

So stark was the story that I left the theatre wondering why I’d never heard of it before and why it wasn’t in these days of multi cultural Britain a part of the school's syllabus.

REVIEW: The Knowledge, Charing Cross Theatre ✭✭✭

With its tidy ending and compact narrative, The Knowledge is satisfying enough, but capable of so much more than is ever delivered.

REVIEW: Tenderly Rosemary Clooney Musical, New Wimbledon Theatre ✭✭✭

REVIEW: Follies, National Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Meet the complete cast of Hamilton London

Strictly Ballroom the musical comes to Piccadilly Theatre in 2018

Hamilton London Announces Preview Postponement

Charlie Stemp to make Broadway debut in Hello Dolly!

Angels In America Announces Broadway Transfer

Christian Slater and Robert Glenister to star in Glengarry Glen Ross

A Doll's House Pt 2 Announces Closing Date on Broadway

Bernadette Peters and Victor Garber to take over in Hello Dolly!

Menopause The Musical UK Tour

FIRST LOOK: Stephen Sondheim's Follies at the National Theatre

FIRST LOOK: Footloose UK Tour 2017

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show back in West End this Xmas

Max Stafford-Clark announces departure from Out Of Joint

After 23 years of groundbreaking work, Max Stafford-Clark announces today his intention to leave Out of Joint to focus on his international freelance career.

An Officer And A Gentleman UK Tour

Sunderland Empire Theatre

We look at a brief history of the Sunderland Empire Theatre, from its inception in 1907 to its current day standing as a major UK touring venue.

Wicked London extends bookings until 1 December 2018

Dame Maggie Smith in conversation at the Orange Tree Theatre

The Orange Tree Theatre have announced that Dame Maggie Smith will join Giles Brandreth in the second Under The Orange Tree talk.

New cast announced for The Ferryman

Douglas Henshall joins Bryan Cranston and Michelle Dockery in Network

FIRST LOOK: Tom Hiddleston as Hamlet for RADA directed by Kenneth Branagh

REVIEW: 9 to 5, Upstairs At The Gatehouse ✭✭✭✭

9 to 5 is best when it revels in its own high camp and allows itself to be gloriously over the top.

Tamsin Greig to replace Sarah Lancashire in Labour Of Love

Star cast announced for Nassim Plays at Bush Theatre

FLASH SALE: The Toxic Avenger - Save up to 24%

Little Women the musical makes European debut at Hope Mill Manchester

FLASH SALE: Stockard Channing in Apologia Save Up to 42%

REVIEW: The Whip Hand, Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh ✭✭✭✭✭

With its twists and revelations, The Whip Hand works as a gripping family drama, but it also cleverly explores our sense of responsibility and what drives it.

REVIEW: Nassim, Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh and Bush Theatre, London ✭✭✭✭✭

But, while politics lurks in the background, Nassim is about the things that are common to all of us beyond language and cultural differences.

REVIEW: Not About Heroes, Pleasance Dome, Edinburgh Fringe ✭✭✭✭

Stephen MacDonald's beautifully structured play Not About Heroes, is given a fine production by Flying Bridge Theatre at this Fringe.

REVIEW: Cow, Underbelly Cowgate, Edinburgh Festival ✭✭✭

Sharply written and winningly performed by Barker-Wren, Cow provides plenty of laughs and visually memorable moments, sometimes verging on unashamed silliness

REVIEW: Woke, Guilded Balloon Teviot, Edinburgh Fringe ✭✭✭✭✭

Woke passionately alerts us to the ongoing struggle to overcome the historical flaws in American society over race that continue into the present day.

REVIEW: Windows, Finborough Theatre ✭✭

Overall, however, Windows is a worthy but rather torpid outing for a family who have been ignored professionally for 85 years

REVIEW: Losing Days, New Town Theatre, Edinburgh Fringe ✭✭✭✭

This is a brave performance, especially as Sam admits that, in his industry, people – especially men – don’t tend to talk about their problems.

REVIEW: My Real Life, Assembly Hall, Edinburgh Fringe ✭✭✭✭

My Real Life weaves a spell that keeps you gripped throughout despite it being 90 minutes of Noel simply sat in an armchair speaking into a tape recorder. It has an aching poignancy and shows us how easy it can be to lose hold of the best things in your life without realising until years later.

REVIEW: The Beasts, Underbelly Cowgate, Edinburgh Fringe ✭✭✭✭

Dolan gives a powerfully underplayed performance, avoiding sensationalism but exploring the issues in a way that is unsettling and uncomfortable

REVIEW: Against, Almeida Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

This is a magnificent, epic, intellectual and heart-felt play in a superb production, full of insight and truth, written with a masterful sense of theatrical balance and economy.

REVIEW: Finding Nana, Pleasance, Edinburgh Fringe ✭✭✭✭

Although a personal piece, the play is about the shared experience of grief, and is a warm elegy to loss and love. You will not only feel that you know Jane's Nana, but leave with your loved ones with you.

INTERVIEW: Samantha Womack talks The Addams Family

We are Family! Samantha Womack talks passion, pets and a ‘monster’ new role as Morticia in Andrew Lippa's musical The Addams Family.

REVIEW: 13 the musical, Ambassadors Theatre ✭✭✭✭

It's great to see new talent up on stage in the West End struttung their stuff with shows like 13. There's no doubt that if this is the next generation of British theatre performers then we are in good hands.

FIRST LOOK: Sara Kestelman in The Lady In The Van at Theatre Royal Bath

FIRST LOOK: Robert Lindsay in Prism at Hampstead Theatre

Milly Thomas wins Stage Edinburgh Award for Dust

Casting announced for return season of Dr Seuss's The Lorax

REVIEW: Elixir, Underbelly Circus Hub, Edinburgh Fringe ✭✭✭✭✭

Elixir is certainly something different, a hugely enjoyable acrobatic show with a decent enough story line to fill an exhilarating hour.

REVIEW: Sunday In The Park With George, The Other Palace ✭✭✭✭✭

For those who didn't see Sunday In The Park With George, then all I can say is, please - if you can - try and find time to see the productions of this astonishing young company. Your life will not be the same again.

REVIEW: Evita, Phoenix Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Emma Hatton makes every post a winner with an exciting performance of one of the greatest modern stage musical roles for women.

REVIEW: Brutal Cessation, Edinburgh Fringe ✭✭✭✭

Despite the intensity of the piece, Brutal Cessation is peppered with a dark wit which, judging my Thomas's other Fringe play, Dust, is a trademark of her writing.

REVIEW: Pulled, Edinburgh Fringe ✭✭✭

Directed by Ita Morrissey, Pulled is a little uneven but offers plenty of broad laughs, lifted by two engaging performers.

REVIEW: Secret Life Of Humans, Edinburgh Fringe ✭✭✭✭

Secret Life Of Humans is a wonderful piece of storytelling that is thought-provoking and often funny, directed with élan by its writer David Byrne with Kate Stanley and devised by the company.

REVIEW: Out Of Love, Summerhall Edinburgh Fringe ✭✭✭✭✭

Out of Love is an emotional rollercoaster, at times very funny, sometimes devastatingly moving. Intelligently written and flawlessly staged

REVIEW: Prom Kween, Underbelly, Edinburgh Fringe ✭✭✭✭

It's a show with heart and soul, and a serious celebration of being who you are. We won't be hearing the last of this queen of a musical.

REVIEW: Salad Days, Union Theatre ✭✭✭✭

When the stage is abuzz with all 14 of the cast, it fairly bristles with an often astonishingly high level of Fifties glamour, making it far and away the most spectacular production we have seen at this address in a long time

REVIEW: Dust, Underbelly Cowgate ✭✭✭✭

At times brutally graphic and always gripping, the writing is sharp and honest, confirming this as an impressive piece from someone we are sure to hear more of.

FIRST LOOK: Jesus Christ Superstar Returns To Regent's Park By Popular Demand

FIRST LOOK: 13 The Musical, Ambassadors Theatre

REVIEW: A Touch Of Mrs Robinson, Edinburgh Fringe ✭✭✭✭

There is some fun audience participation, and although the cougar could have been more strongly unleashed in places, this is a soothing gem of an hour, very well performed.

REVIEW: King Cowboy Rufus Rules The Universe, London Theatre Workshop ✭✭✭

So, take it for what it is, please, because it is never going to be anything else. It's a tough ride, but an interesting one, and impeccably presented.

REVIEW: Meet Me At Dawn, Traverse Theatre ✭✭✭✭

It is also refreshing to see a play in which the sexuality of a same sex couple is irrelevant, love and loss are the central themes

Andy Coxon cast as Berger in 50th Anniversary Production of Hair

REVIEW: Wild Bore, Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh Fringe ✭✭✭

Zoe Coombs Marr, Ursula Martinez and Adrienne Truscott now own this material and have created a cathartic and anarchic show that has many laugh out loud moments.

REVIEW: Gypsy Queen, Assembly Front Room, Edinburgh Fringe ✭✭✭✭

Hope Theatre company have created a highly involving piece and director Adam Zane kept the action fluid and engaging.

Full casting announced for The Caretaker in Bristol and Northampton

The full cast has been announced for the new production of Harold Pinter’s The Caretaker coming to Bristol, Southampton and Northampton.

REVIEW: The Soft Subject, Assembly Hall, Edinburgh Fringe ✭✭✭✭

Woodley is a warm and engaging actor, and shares his experience of love openly, with symbolic props and subtext conveyed to us, the class. Never patronizing, the show is honest, funny and beautifully poignant.

REVIEW: Peter Pan, Mercury Theatre Colchester ✭✭✭✭

You should never forget your visit to Neverland, and I promise you an unforgettable trip with this talented company.

REVIEW: David Walliam's The First Hippo On The Moon, Pleasance, Edinburgh Fringe ✭✭✭✭

There are enough fart and poo jokes to keep the children, and the child within, highly entertained, and some excellent audience participation!

REVIEW: Bombastic Declaration of Love, Summerhall, Edinburgh Fringe ✭✭✭✭

The beauty of Bombastic Declaration of Love is the effect it has on the audience and what Julie manages to elicit from them.

REVIEW: Black Mountain, Roundabout @ Summerhall ✭✭✭✭

Black Mountain is another strong production from Paines Plough. The dialogue whips along in this well acted production.

REVIEW: The Shape Of Pain, Summerhall, Edinburgh Festival ✭✭✭✭

The Shape of the Pain's strength is its use of flickering lights, disorienting video effects, buzzing and throbbing sounds and a general assault on the senses to try to convey Rachel's experiences where words are inadequate.

Irish comedy heading for Watford Colosseum

Tommy Marren’s comedy Nobody’s Talking To Me is to play the Watford Colosseum in Hertfordshire in the one British engagement outside of a tour of Ireland.

REVIEW: Glorious, Frinton Summer Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

With such a strong line-up, it should come as no surprise that it is a perfect delight, full of feelgood humour and hilarious performances.

REVIEW: Eve, Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh Festival ✭✭✭✭✭

What a story. Eve will be one of the most honest accounts of change and transgression that you will see on the Fringe.

New stage version of The Exorcist to open at Phoenix Theatre London

REVIEW: Heather, Summerhall, Edinburgh Fringe ✭✭✭✭

Grippingly directed by Valentina Ceschi, it effectively shifts tone and perspective and, by the end, leaves us questioning how much we really want to know about the authors we love.

REVIEW: Letters to Morrissey, Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh Festival ✭✭✭✭

It's not important to like Morrissey, anyone who has been disaffected or angst ridden will associate with the story teller.

REVIEW: Buried - A New Musical, Edinburgh Festival Fringe ✭✭✭

The tunes in Buried are catchy and you'll find yourself humming them afterwards even though the lyrics come from a more blood-soaked context.

Matilda West End announces new adult cast

Globe brings to life plays before Shakespeare

REVIEW: The Burial Of The Rats, Edinburgh Fringe Festival ✭✭

There is no doubt a germ of a good show in this bold re-interpretation of Stoker's story but this production unfortunately falls short of achieving it.

REVIEW: Twilight Song, Park Theatre ✭✭✭

While Twilight Song lacks the power of My Night With Reg, it is an enjoyable piece of drama that sharply portrays people – both gay and straight – who feel trapped by their circumstances and seek an escape that risks making their misery even worse.

REVIEW: Apologia, Trafalgar Studios ✭✭✭✭

Stockard Channing is outstanding as Kristin in Apologia, urbane and bitchy but covering up intense emotions that she can barely understand.

Wicked becomes 16th Longest running show in West End History

Casting announced for stage adaptation of The Knowledge

Kenneth Branagh to direct Tom Hiddleston in Hamlet in support of RADA

Casting announced for Beautiful The Carole King Musical UK Tour

REVIEW: Queers Part 2, Old Vic Theatre ✭✭✭✭

FIRST LOOK: North By Northwest at Theatre Royal Bath

James Nelson-Joyce joins Julian Clary in comedy Le Grand Mort

REVIEW: Road, Royal Court Theatre ✭✭✭✭

But there was one thing I had forgotten. It was always there, I had just forgotten it. And that’s how brilliant a writer Cartwright is.

Anne Reid cast as Lady Hunstanton in A Woman Of No Importance at Vaudeville Theatre

Anne Reid is to play Lady Hunstanton in Oscar Wilde's A Woman Of No Importance at The Vaudeville Theatre.

REVIEW: Queers Part 1, Old Vic Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Directed by Mark Gatiss and Joe Murphy, they are poignant and funny but, most of all, they are stories of hope and survival.

Kelsey Grammar to star in Andrew Lippa's Big Fish at The Other Palace

REVIEW: Girl From The North Country, Old Vic Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Not for nothing does the audience rise to its feet at the end of the performance. Because, it knows, it has not met any strangers during the performance. It has met itself.

Stars announced for Other Palace musical theatre festival

West End stars have been announced for a festival of musical theatre at The Other Palace in London, headlined by the premiere of a new show co-written by Burt Bacharach.

Josie Lawrence to star in Mother Courage and her Children

REVIEW: Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, Apollo Theatre ✭✭✭

If the first half problems could be sorted out, this could be one of the best productions on the West End. As it is, it is saved from the jaws of disaster by a mighty Big Daddy.

Rehearsals begin for War Horse UK Tour 2017-19

Of Mice And Men UK Tour

REVIEW: I Loved Lucy, Arts Theatre ✭✭

Dickinson is superb in I Loved Lucy. She gives a masterclass in how to fascinate and compel an audience's avid attention.

REVIEW: Gloria, Hampstead Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Gloria is a gripping and darkly funny drama, confirming Branden Jacobs-Jenkins as one of America's best and freshest writers in theatre.

REVIEW: Mosquitoes, National Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Slickly directed by Rufus Norris, Mosquitoes entertains and enlightens although, if I may use one of its metaphors, it lacks bite.

New play at Bunker Theatre looks at the aftermath of rail suicide

REVIEW: God Bless You Mr Rosewater, Premiere Cast Recording ✭✭✭✭

Menken's score is melodic and catchy but with Ashman's lyrics providing lush frosting these songs become thoroughly irresistible.

Principal cast announced for Consumables at the King's Head

Jeremy Irons and Lesley Manville to star in O'Neill's Long Days Journey Into Night

Cast announced for Sid and Viv at Theatre503

SPECIAL OFFER: Apologia starring Stockard Channing at Trafalgar Studios - Save up to 31%

Save up to 31% in tickets to Apologia starring Broadway and Hollywood icon Stockard Channing at Trafalgar Studios.

Leading actor to become Globe artistic director

FLASH SALE: The Comedy About A Bank Robbery - Save up to 51%

Dear Evan Hansen as you've never seen it before

REVIEW: Candide in Concert, Cadogan Hall ✭✭✭✭✭

Overall Candide is highly entertaining and a superb demonstration of the brilliance and beauty of Bernstein's music.

REVIEW: Briefs Close Encounters, London Wonderground July 2017 ✭✭✭✭

If you like things of the ilk of 'Cirque du Soleil', and other such vacuous circus-type divertissements, you will most assuredly delight in this.

REVIEW: The Hired Man, Union Theatre ✭✭✭

Meanwhile, there's a fair rendition of the text available here, and one that will do, particularly if you haven't seen anything better.

The Thrill of it All: Actors and Card Games

Madani Younis Announces Bush Theatre Winter Season

FIRST LOOK: Trailer for Howard - documentary about lyricist Howard Ashman

Rhys Ifans to star in new version of A Christmas Carol at Old Vic

REVIEW: Tim Gilvin and Friends, Crazy Coqs ✭✭✭

This was a welcome opportunity to get better acquainted with the repertoire of one of the country's brightest and most interesting new songwriters

Cardiff's own Noel Sullivan joins Tiger Bay musical cast

Derren Brown brings Underground to Playhouse Theatre this September

Follow the Yellow Brick Road to this year's West End Bares

FIRST LOOK: Sienna Miller and Jack O'Connell in Cat On A Hot Tin Roof

Innovative new production of The Cunning Little Vixen comes to Grimeborn

SPECIAL OFFER: An American In Paris - Save Up To 43%

Casting announced for Rita Sue and Bob Too tour

Casting announced for Joe Orton's Loot at Park Theatre

FIRST LOOK: Antic Disposition's Richard III UK Tour

Casting announced for Fever Pitch the opera

Prom Kween heads to Underbelly Edinburgh

Casting announced for Flash Point's Pageant at Camden Fringe

REVIEW: Disco Pigs, Trafalgar Studios ✭✭✭✭

DeLorean - the man who inspired 'that' car inspires play

Full cast announced for Salad Days at the Union Theatre

Duet For One UK Tour

Casting announced for Pleasure Dome Theatre Company 2017 Season

FIRST LOOK: New London Wicked cast - July 2017

Full casting announced for RSC's Coriolanus

James Graham's Ink transfers to West End

Full casting announced for Theatre Royal Bath's The Lady In The Van

Love From A Stranger UK Tour

Elaine Paige In Concert UK Tour

REVIEW: A Tale Of Two Cities, Regent's Park Open Air Theatre ✭

It might be billed as a tale of two cities, but for me, and those around me, this evening was a tale of one star.

King Cowboy Rufus comes to London Theatre Workshop

Richard Foreman's King Cowboy Rufus Rules The Universe will recieve its UK premiere at London Theatre Workshop

UPCOMING: Mary and Kiki - Two new musicals

The Offering celebrates Indian culture at Edinburgh Festival

Teamwork Arts brings The Offering co-written and directed by Puneeta Roy celebrating Indian culture to the Edinburgh Festival

REVIEW: Boys In The Buff, Stockwell Playhouse ✭✭✭

A lot of impressive creative talent has been thrown at Boys In The Buff, and one can but marvel at the standard of the quality of work lavished upon it.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Woman In White to be revived at Charing Cross Theatre

Toby Stephens to star in Oslo at National Theatre and in West End

Toby Stephens is to star in the Lincoln Centre's Critically acclaimed Tony Award-winning production of Oslo at National Theatre and Harold Pinter Theatre.

Maureen Lipman to direct stage premiere of The Knowledge

Stella Gonet stars in revival of John Patrick Shanley's Doubt A Parable

REVIEW: Committee the musical, Donmar Warehouse ✭✭✭✭✭

Committee is without a doubt one of the most exciting new musicals you’re going to see this year.

Ian Reddington Joins Cast of Son Of A Preacher Man UK Tour

REVIEW: Bodies, Royal Court Theatre ✭✭

Dominated and ultimately hindered by its unfortunate subtext, Bodies leaves its audience feeling uneasy for all the wrong reasons.

Kristin Chenoweth announces concert at London Palladium in October

Hair announces season extension and initial casting

Hamilton – A Beginner’s Guide Part Two

REVIEW: Queen Anne, Theatre Royal Haymarket ✭✭✭✭

Queen Anne offers an insightful and commendably believable depiction of the reign of one of England’s lesser known monarchs, and her complex relationship with childhood friend Sarah Churchill. Though the play takes time to get into its stride, the second Act is quite exceptional. Emma Cunniffe and Romola Garai give wonderful performances, and the play has an extremely satisfying payoff.

REVIEW: Bubble Boy, Original Cast Recording ✭✭✭✭✭

It's a cast recording of a show that I can't wait to see. I'm sure I won't be alone in that feeling once the whole world hears the story of Bubble Boy!

INTERVIEW: Playwright Inua Ellams - Barber Shop Chronicles

REVIEW: Yank!, Charing Cross Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Yank is an accomplished, tightly paced show with a flawless cast led by Andy Coxon as macho Mitch, with matinee idol good looks

Ovalhouse recieves £3million Arts Council Grant

The Arts Council has announced that they will confirm an award for a total of £3million to be invested in the new Ovalhouse Theatre

Casting announced for Outlaws To In-Laws at King's Head Theatre

FIRST LOOK: Simon-Anthony Rhoden and Verity Rushworth join cast of Kinky Boots

Meet the new cast of The Toxic Avenger the Musical

Local actress brings Marilyn Monroe to Birmingham

Glorious new role for Simon Shepherd

Simon Shepherd has joined the cast of Frinton Summer Theatre's revival of Peter Quilter's comedy Glorious! about Florence Foster Jenkins.

LISTEN: First song from Nativity the musical

Producers of Nativity the musical released an exclusive track on Elaine Paige's BBC radio programme. Have a listen and let us know what you think.

REVIEW: The Wind In The Willows, Original Cast Recording ✭✭✭✭✭

George Stiles and Anthony Drewe just keep getting better and better with each show they write. They have successfully encapsulated Grahame’s classic characters and the very atmosphere of the Riverbank with this joyous musical.

Sarah Milton's Tumble Tuck comes to Edinburgh Festival

Tumble Tuck, written by Sarah Milton presented by BackHere! Theatre, tells the story of a young woman struggling to accept herself and realise her strength.

Grimy drama Trashed comes to Edinburgh Festival 2017

Trashed is a grimy, booze-fuelled sucker punch of a play, bound to make you laugh until you cry.

Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck head to Edinburgh

This August, The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle-Duck, will be enthralling children at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe

REVIEW: He Shoots He Scores, Above The Stag Theatre ✭✭✭✭

We have come to rely on Above The Stag to supply to us, it is high-quality homoerotic titillation with a chaser of moral uplift and this show is no exception

Dance Opera and comedy at forefront of Storyhouse Spring Season 2018

REVIEW: The Scar Test, Soho Theatre ✭✭✭

The Scar Test is a striking piece, with deeply unsettling moments that will remain with the audience for a long time afterwards.

Emmerdale's Natalie Anderson joins cast of Fat Friends the musical

REVIEW: King Kong - A Comedy, The Vaults ✭✭✭✭

There are moments when we believe we are in fact watching The Marx Brothers at work, or following an off-cut from ‘Hellzapoppin’.

REVIEW: Instructions for American Servicemen in Britain, Jermyn St Theatre ✭✭✭✭

A fond and affectionate parody, Instructions for American Servicemen in Britain guarantees laughs and nostalgia in spades.

Sam Goodburn brings lo-fi circus show Dumbstruck to Edinburgh

Dumbstruck, a world premiere by multi-award-winning performer Sam Goodburn comes to Underbelly as part of the Edinburgh Festival.

Actors, Mimes and Musicians look at The Nature Of Forgetting

Theatre Re’s The Nature of Forgetting is a powerful, explosive and joyous piece about what is left when memory and recollection are gone.

Tamar Broadbent to Get Ugly at Edinburgh Festival

Fresh from a five-star-sell-out run in 2016 and a Best Comedy Award-nominated tour of Australia, Tamara returns to the Edinburgh Festival with Get Ugly.

The B*easts comes to the Edinburgh Festival

In The B*easts, BAFTA award-winning actress Monica Dolan explores how far one mum will go to put what her child wants first.

Sara Juli's Tense Vagina exposes motherhood taboos

Sara Juli’s Tense Vagina: an actual diagnosis is about motherhood - its beauty, challenges, isolation, comedy and influence on the human experience.

Nicola Wren's play Replay comes to Edinburgh Festival

Replay, an intimate, moving and ultimately uplifting new monologue, by Nicola Wren will be presented by Dug Out Theatre at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Oskar's Amazing Adventure heads to Edinburgh Festival

Theatre Fideri Fidera will present Oskar's Amazing Adventure, an original, entertaining play for young children and their families at the Edinburgh Festival

REVIEW: The Mentor, Vaudeville Theatre ✭✭✭

Hampton's translation has a lightness of touch that brings a leisurely flow of laughter making this a pleasant if unexciting 80 minutes of well-made theatre

Hamilton - A Beginner's Guide Part One

Cast announced for National Theatre's Pride readings

The cast has been announced for a series of rehearsed readings of seminal plays at the National Theatre exploring LGBT+ culture and history.

No Show exposes the humanity of circus performers at the Edinburgh Festival

No Show comes to the Edinburgh Festival with an all-female cast, No Show deconstructs superhuman circus performers and shows them as vulnerable and human.

FIRST LOOK: New cast of Mamma Mia! at Novello Theatre London

Dance til you drop with No Miracles Here

The Letter Room bring No Miracles Here, a live and loud musical tale of a dance marathon with a Northern Soul to this year's Edinburgh Festival.

Kin - a new wave of modern British Circus comes to Edinburgh

The boys from the smash hit Bromance are back with KIN, an innovative and exhilarating five-star show about camaraderie at this year's Edinburgh Festival.

REVIEW: Cream, Canal Café Theatre ✭✭✭

Yes, this whole show – hastily put together in barely a week - might well shine a bit more with a little more rehearsal and polish, but the ending is full of optimistic verve and good cheer.

Derren Brown's Underground UK Tour and West End

Cilla The Musical has found its star!

After auditioning hopefuls during several weeks of open auditions around the UK, producers of Cilla The Musical have found their star!

News Revue brings the best of British satire to Edinburgh Festival

News Revue will be presented as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe by Pleasance Courtyard (Beyond)

Manual Cinema return to the Fringe with Lula del Ray

After wowing all of Edinburgh with Ada/Ava in 2016, Manual Cinema return to the Fringe with another exciting UK premiere - Lula del Ray.

REVIEW: Superhero, Southwark Playhouse ✭✭✭✭✭

I am going to give nothing away about the ‘plot’, because it’s just so deliciously ingenious and I don’t want to rob you of a single moment’s pleasure

Patrick Marber's The Red Lion transfers to Trafalgar Studios

Gutted - A shameless tale of love, laughter and lavatories

In her play Gutted coming to the Edinburgh Festival, Liz Richardson shares her experiences of living as a twenty-something with a chronic bowel condition

Performing apes and their humans are centre of Goody by Lucy Roslyn

Lucy Roslyn’s new play, Goody, which looks at performing animals and their humans will be presented at the Edinburgh Festival.

David Baddiel's - My Family Not The Sitcom UK Tour

Fix from Worklight Theatre examines society's addictions

Internationally acclaimed, Fringe First winning Worklight Theatre, will present Fix at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

David Bowie celebrated in on stage road trip

Following a highly successful London run and acclaimed UK tour, From Ibiza to the Norfolk Broads comes to the Edinburgh Festival

Modern man comes under the spotlight in Fag/Stag

Dust gives suicide a caustic comedic treatment

REVIEW: The View From Nowhere, Park Theatre ✭✭✭

Maybe that is because there are no grey areas, making The View From Nowhere's tone of frustration and anger one that is fully deserved.

REVIEW: The Wind In The Willows, London Palladium ✭✭✭

I really enjoyed myself and saw more than a few children kneeling up on their seats totally engrossed so I think the creative team and cast can rest easy knowing they more than cracked it.

SHOW OF THE MONTH: The Wind In the Willows - Save up to 50%

REVIEW: Tribe, London Theatre Workshop ✭✭✭

There is a lot to enjoy here and much to admire in a basically young ensemble putting on a slightly unusual sort of show, fleshed out with some engaging humour and pathos.

REVIEW: Ink, Almeida Theatre ✭✭✭

While everyone should enjoy Ink, I am sure that many people who are more discerning than I am will find it spectacular.

Last Chance Saloon brings Curse Of The Mummy To Edinburgh Festival

Stars head to Essex for Frinton Summer Theatre season

Brutal Cessation brings relationship violence to the Edinburgh stage

Bruce the yellow block of foam returns to Edinburgh

Circa bring new show to Edinburgh Festival 2017

Gillian Beak is subject of character comedy Beak Speaks

This House UK Tour

Jake Orr joins Theatre503 as Producer

Ali Cook Principles Of Deception UK Tour

CBeebies hit Sarah and Duck heads to Edinburgh Festival 2017 in all new adventure

FIRST LOOK: David Hare's Racing Demon at Theatre Royal Bath

FIRST LOOK: The Wind In The Willows at the London Palladium

REVIEW: Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, Wyndhams Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

Audra McDonald makes her unaccountably long-awaited London theatrical debut in the most astonishing way possible in this devastating re-telling of the story of Billie Holiday

Cast announced for Jesus Christ Superstar at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

FIRST LOOK: King Kong, The Vaults London

Stephen Schwartz pays a visit to Working at Southwark Playhouse

Emma Rice's new company Wise Children backed by Arts Council

Paines Plough plays transfer to Orange Tree after tour

REVIEW: Bat Out Of Hell, London Coliseum ✭✭✭✭✭

Polec, Bennington, Sexton and Fowler carry most of the musical numbers with a flawless mix of operatic projection and sexy intimacy that will linger long and lovingly in your memory.

Gracefool Collective bring feminist theatre to Edinburgh Fringe

Fringe first-timers Gracefool Collective bring their show This Really Is Too Much to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2017.

#Instalove - The quest for love in game show format

What I Learned From Johnny Bevan returns to The Fringe

REVIEW: The Quentin Dentin Show, Tristan Bates Theatre ✭✭✭✭

The songs in The Quentin Dentin Show make up the best, and I mean the best new score that British musical theatre has produced in certainly the past few years. Yes, you heard me right. It’s a stonker.

Kathy Burke directs world premiere of The Retreat at Park Theatre

REVIEW: Blondel, Union Theatre ✭✭✭✭

A thoroughly charming, and fun, experience in musical comedy lies in store for all those who tread the path of the wand’ring minstrel Blondel.

REVIEW: Instructions For Dancing, Zachary Morris and Ben van Tienen ✭✭✭✭

It is to the credit and artistry of these two performers that Instructions for Dancing is a calling card that I am sure will have people asking for more.

Anastasia - Broadhurst Theatre

The Band's Visit- Barrymore Theatre

Royal Court Theatre announce cast for Bodies by Vivienne Franzmann

Royal Court Theatre announces cast for Jim Cartwright's play Road

REVIEW: The English Heart, Etcetera Theatre ✭✭✭

Mark Ludmon reviews Matthew Campling's play The English Heart which is now playing at the Etcetera Theatre in Camden. Book Now!

Laura Carmichael joins cast of Apologia

Seven Lives, One Building, Many Stories as Peepshow comes to Canal Cafe

Lin-Manuel Miranda & Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson present Millennials The Musical

Joanne Clifton and Ben Adams to star in Flashdance UK tour

Cast announced for Mrs Orwell at Old Red Lion Theatre

Freddie Flintoff makes stage debut in Fat Friends the musical

FIRST LOOK: Tim Rice's Blondel at the Union Theatre

REVIEW: On The Town, Regent's Park Open Air Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭

On The Town is a show where everything is the star, from Leonard Bernstein's rich orchestral and melodic score to Drew McOnie's breathtaking choreography

Leading producer announced as new SOLT president

Everybody’s Talking About Jamie Coming To London

New Images Of The Cast Of Five Guys Named Moe

FIRST LOOK: Audra McDonald brings Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill to London

Casting Announced For The Seagull at Lyric Hammersmith

The Mentor with F Murray Abraham heads to West End

Nadim Naaman and Bill Champion to lead cast of By Jeeves at Old Laundry Theatre

Star-studded cast announced for Grenfell Tower benefit concert this weekend.

REVIEW: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Broadway Cast Recording ✭✭✭✭✭

National Youth Ballet of Great Britain announce 30th Anniversary Season

Freema Agyeman, Desmond Barrit and Joseph Millson join Stockard Channing in Apologia

FIRST LOOK: Branden Jacob-Jenkins' Gloria at Hampstead Theatre

Relationship drama Adam and Eve comes to Jack Studio Theatre

Initial casting announced for Joe Orton's Loot at Park Theatre

5 Famous Actors Who Started In British Theatre

The Snowman UK Tour

The Birmingham Repertory Theatre Production of The Snowman UK Tour.

Strangers On A Train UK Tour

Matthew Bourne's Cinderella UK Tour and West End

Love Letters UK Tour Starring Ali McGraw and Ryan O'Neal

Driving Miss Daisy UK Tour

How The Other Half Loves UK Tour

The Best Man UK Tour

REVIEW: Taj Express, Peacock Theatre ✭✭✭

REVIEW: Hello Dolly!, 2017 Broadway Revival Cast Recording ✭✭✭✭✭

New Production Company Formed by Marianne Elliott and Chris Harper

Theatre503 Hosts UK Premiere of US Comedy BOOM

REVIEW: Boris and Sergey's Preposterous Improvisation Experiment, Pulse Festival ✭✭✭✭

Further Casting Announced for Hamilton at London's Victoria Palace Theatre

King's Head Theatre Announce Nine Week Queer Season 2017

Top 100 Greatest Musicals Poll – Number 1 - Les Miserables

REVIEW: Groundhog Day, Original Broadway Cast Album ✭✭✭✭

Top 100 Greatest Musicals Poll – Number 2 - Wicked

Casting Announced For Mosquitoes At National Theatre

REVIEW: Liza Pulman Sings Streisand, Crazy Coqs ✭✭✭✭✭

Julian Eaves reviews Liza Pulman Sings Streisand "This was in every respect a sincere tribute to a really remarkable artist, given by one of the very best acts out there."

Top 100 Greatest Musicals Poll – Number 3 - The Phantom Of The Opera - Miss Saigon

Nadia Fall Appointed Artistic Director of Stratford East

REVIEW: Holy Crap, Kings Head Theatre ✭✭

There is, I think, somewhere, in the midst of all this nastiness, a rather interesting show struggling to get out, but it ain’t been found yet.

Hello Dolly! - Shubert Theatre

Waitress - Brooks Atkinson Theatre

Charlie And the Chocolate Factory - Lunt Fontanne Theatre

Top 100 Greatest Musicals Poll – Number 4 - The Lion King

REVIEW: Golem, New Wolsey Theatre, Pulse Festival ✭✭✭✭

REVIEW: Nuclear Family, New Wolsey Theatre, Pulse Festival ✭✭✭

Dear Evan Hansen - Music Box Theatre Broadway

Dear Evan Hansen is one of Broadway's biggest musical theatre hits and is now playing at the Music Box Theatre. Book tickets through BritishTheatre.com. Opening soon in London's West End.

Tony Awards 2017 - The Winners

Top 100 Greatest Musicals Poll – Number 5 - Hamilton

REVIEW: Anatomy Of A Suicide, Royal Court Theatre ✭✭✭✭

The staging of Anat omy Of A Suicide is ambitious but pays off although its intensity may leave you feeling shattered.

REVIEW: Barber Shop Chronicles, National Theatre ✭✭✭✭

The joy and zest with which the strong cast of Barber Shop Chronicles perform is infectious and Bijan Sheibani’s direction ensures that the text which, at times seems a tad adolescent, always feels punchy and exhilarating.

Visiting London - Come See A West End Show

REVIEW: Kiss Me, Trafalgar Studios ✭✭✭✭

Paul T Davies reviews Kiss Me at Trafalgar Studios "this small, yet powerful play, is well worth catching." Book Now!

The Band announces cast as box office tops 10 million

THEATER TALK: 2017 Tony Awards Predictions

REVIEW: The Events, Mercury Theatre Colchester ✭✭✭✭✭

REVIEW: Common, National Theatre ✭✭✭

Trimmed down by about 30 minutes since previews began, Common has gained momentum in time for press night although it still feels like it needs more work.

REVIEW: Working, Southwark Playhouse ✭✭✭✭

Julian Eaves reviews Working at Southwark Playhouse "You're going to love the songs. You will remember many of them - and with affection."

Traverse reveals premieres for Edinburgh Festival

REVIEW: Twitstorm, Park Theatre ✭✭✭

Brighton Fringe announces 2017 award winners

REVIEW: Annie, Piccadilly Theatre ✭✭✭

REVIEW: Tell Me Anything, New Wolsey Theatre, Pulse Festival ✭✭✭

REVIEW: Sand In The Sandwiches, Theatre Royal Haymarket ✭✭✭✭

Sand in the Sandwiches is absolutely delightful, a one man play in which Sir John Betjeman – a remarkable performance by Edward Fox – looks back on his life and career via a series of poems and anecdotes. In a frequently gloomy world, this is guaranteed to lift your spirits.