Genres we are missing on the theatre stage
In the theatre world these days, anything can be attempted. Books are being turned into plays, films are being turned into musicals and almost every genre out there can be seen somewhere on stage. Some of the best shows to see in London this holiday season include the likes of Disney’s Aladdin, a musical version […]
REVIEW: A Christmas Carol (Lyceum Theatre) ★★★★★
There are some questionable shows around this season, some ingenious, some hilarious, some just plain bazaar. The commercialisation of Christmas makes for a competitive time as each theatre vies for you to spend your family outing, and your money, with them. Sometimes though, bells and whistles – or tinsel, puppets, animals, strippers… whatever gets you […]
REVIEW: A Gatsby Christmas (London Cabaret Club) ★★★★
The twenties were fun, there’s no doubt about it. The music, fashion and attitudes after the war were mischievous and fancy free. Combine this era with the festivities of Christmas and you just can’t go wrong. So expectations were high for A Gatsby Christmas – the seasonal offering from The London Cabaret Club – and […]
REVIEW: Rumpelstiltskin (Southbank Centre) ★★
This was my first visit to the Queen Elizabeth Hall, part of the Southbank Centre, since its refurbishment earlier this year. I think they have done a fabulous job of the work. The exterior architecture of the building is in the “brutalist” style and was opened in 1967 and was shortly thereafter labelled the ugliest […]
REVIEW: White Christmas (Curve Leicester) ★★★★★
Nikolai Foster‘s Christmas production of White Christmas is a bit like being given a giant hug and a massive bowl of chicken soup. You cannot possibly leave the auditorium feeling anything other than warmed and just slightly more content with the world (at least until you turn the news back on). An incredibly simple storyline, […]
REVIEW: Mary Poppins Returns ★★★
Mary Poppins Returns, directed by Rob Marshall and parading a drove of A-listers, is an almost uncanny reproduction of the original. The piece is set 25 years post the 1964 original, in Britain’s interwar depression in the 1930s. Little Michael (Ben Whishaw) and Jane (Emily Mortimer) Banks are all grown up and still remain as […]
REVIEW: The Messiah (The Other Palace) ★★
There is surely nothing more tempting for the average only-at-Christmas-theatre-goer, than watching familiar TV faces in a silly nativity extravaganza. Hugh Dennis (Mock the Week) and John Marquez (Doc Martin) lead us through the birth of Jesus in this unique multi-role piece, The Messiah. Oh, and Lesley Garrett is also there, for a spattering of […]
REVIEW: Peppa Pig’s Adventure (Theatre Royal Haymarket) ★★★★
Anyone who has the mis/fortune of parenting a toddler will know that Peppa Pig has an almost addictive appeal. I can bear witness to it’s near crack-like effect on small humans; there have been several occasions at 6am where I approach my child’s bedroom to hear him demanding vociferously ‘Peppa Pig!?’, so I couldn’t resist […]
REVIEW: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Wycombe Swan) ★★★★
Wycombe Swan returns to Pantomime form with this excellent version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The show has plenty of Strictly Come Dancing twists and twirls from Brendan Cole and the ensemble. As in any good Pantomime, there is something for everyone in this delightful production especially when Cole is dancing with the Ensemble […]
REVIEW: A Christmas Carol (Arts Theatre) ★★★
Dust off your baubles and start Googling how to make eggnog – Christmas is nearly here! And to celebrate, London is once again home to an assortment of productions telling the second most famous festive story of them all (after the one about the donkey and the manger…). Running at the Arts Theatre from now until […]