Stephen Sondheim was a genius – we shall not see his like again
Sometimes playful, sometimes dark master of words and melody who became the most celebrated writer of musical theatre of his generation
Review: The Ocean at the End of the Lane is incredible and scary as hell
What a triumph for the National Theatre to make a riveting nightmare out of this long-anticipated transfer. Two years after The Ocean at the End of the Lane’s first staging, Neil Gaiman’s dark fairy-tale has returned, this time to the West End. The story...
Review: The Shark is Broken is a wonderfully aquatic account of masculinity
Ian Shaw plays his film star father Robert in this behind-the-scenes tale of Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster
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Blog
Stephen Sondheim was a genius – we shall not see his like again
Sometimes playful, sometimes dark master of words and melody who became the most celebrated writer of musical theatre of his generation
Review: The Ocean at the End of the Lane is incredible and scary as hell
What a triumph for the National Theatre to make a riveting nightmare out of this long-anticipated transfer. Two years after The Ocean at the End of the Lane’s first staging, Neil Gaiman’s dark fairy-tale has returned, this time to the West End. The story...
Review: The Shark is Broken is a wonderfully aquatic account of masculinity
Ian Shaw plays his film star father Robert in this behind-the-scenes tale of Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster
David Hare’s self absorption is simply overwhelming
David Hare is furious at the BBC after it rejects his Covid play, starring Ralph Fiennes
Look Ahead
National Youth Theatre and Contact, Manchester: Putting young people centre stage
With National Youth Theatre Chair Dawn Airey and Artistic Director Paul Roseby In this age of extremes, I often find myself at the sharp end of funding squeezes, local authority cuts, and am continually alarmed by the devastating demise of arts in our state schools....
Manchester International Festival 2021 programme announced
Manchester International Festival (MIF), returns from 1-18 July with a vibrant programme of original new work from across the spectrum of visual and performing arts and music by artists from over 20 countries. The reasonably amazing lineup includes Angélique Kidjo,...
Look Ahead: Theatre Streaming in March
At last! A roadmap – the prime minister has announced a timeline for when theatres and other live events venues may be able to reopen. All being well, indoor and outdoor theatres will be allowed to reopen with social distancing from May 17. Hmmmmmmmmm. Anyway, here...
Look Ahead: Theatre streaming in February
Here is a list of shows that are streaming throughout February – some good stuff, I’m sure you will agree. In all the Seyi Omooba shambles you may have missed that Curve in Leicester’s special concert version of musical The Color Purple musical is being streamed from...
Spotlight
Stephen Sondheim was a genius – we shall not see his like again
Sometimes playful, sometimes dark master of words and melody who became the most celebrated writer of musical theatre of his generation
Manchester International Festival 2021 / Bloody Elle – A Gig Musical
On reading the words ‘Manchester International Festival’, you know you’re in for quite the experience. I mean, it’s not everyday you get the opportunity to attend a biennial international arts festival, during a pandemic, with a specific focus on original new work....
Guest Blog – The Mono Box: “Our industry cannot and will not evolve without investment in new talent.”
The Mono Box has always prided itself on supporting freelancers creatively – providing opportunities that are lacking or less accessible in the industry. For 8 years, we have run workshops and events for actors, directors and writers as well as, more recently,...
British Theatre Is Facing A Covid Tragedy
July 2021. UK Theatres are in limbo. By now, of course, you know the latest facts, because you live in them. In no particular order, over 62% of British adults are now fully vaccinated. And 84% have had one dose. A new production of Jersey Boys is set to begin at the...
Reviews
Mesmerising Sweeney Todd got me by the throat
Lots to love about Nick Bagnall’s stripped-back Sweeney Todd in Liverpool, including the cast, acting, and absorbing scenes between Sweeney Todd and Mrs Lovett and the decision to set it in a time of Brexhaustion. Everything seems fresh minted. Bagnall’s wickedly...
Standing at The Sky’s Edge
Standing At The Sky’s Edge’s portrayal of high-rise communities in the iconic concrete housing estate could hardly be bettered. It’s an evocative setting. Park Hill was built in the 1950’s as a solution to the city’s social housing. This new musical is all about that...
Young Frankenstein: do we all make our own monsters?
The gender roles in Young Frankenstein raise huge questions around our own collusion as audiences and Mel Brooks’ musical comedy starring Ross Noble, Hadley Fraser, Summer Strallen and Lesley Joseph is ruffling feathers. The background is that, in Natasha...
Stephen Sondheim was a genius – we shall not see his like againNovember 27, 2021 - 5:34 pm- The Lion, the Witch & The Wardrobe Tour ExtendedNovember 19, 2021 - 10:30 am
- “The Music Man” releases new block of tickets and rehearsal photosNovember 19, 2021 - 10:20 am
- National Theatre November 2021 – May 2022November 15, 2021 - 5:16 am
- Sierra Boggess & Julian Ovenden announce new album “Together At A Distance” to be released Friday, November 19November 12, 2021 - 10:44 am
- Chichester Festival Theatre announces 60th anniversary opening productions and SOUTH PACIFIC transferNovember 11, 2021 - 10:01 am
- Experience the magic of Christmas at the Royal Opera HouseNovember 10, 2021 - 10:17 am
- Review: The Shark is Broken is a wonderfully aquatic account of masculinityNovember 9, 2021 - 8:06 pm
- Les Enfants Terribles announce recipient of 2021 LET BursaryNovember 2, 2021 - 10:47 am
- Award-winning West End Musical & Juliet Celebrates Second BirthdayNovember 2, 2021 - 10:44 am
