Mates blogger: Alun Hood
Alun Hood is one of over 45 theatre bloggers who are part of the MyTheatreMates collective. This page features recent posts from Alun's own website. Take a look at our full list of theatre bloggers and our aggregated feed of all our Mates' posts. We’re always looking for new theatre bloggers. Could that be you? Learn about how to join us.
Alun Hood has been at the theatre on a regular basis since the age of 8. He has seen upwards of 3000 stage productions, mainly in London but also in New York, Paris, Sydney, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Chichester, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff and, er, Croydon. He’ll go anywhere for a bit of live action and red plush. Alun studied Drama & English at University of London and has worked in theatre all his professional life. In addition to his personal blog, he reviews for WhatsOnStage and was a 2016/7 theatre panellist for the Laurence Olivier Awards. He’s on Twitter at alunjohnhood.
The latest from Alun's site
FEELING AFRAID AS IF SOMETHING TERRIBLE IS GOING TO HAPPEN – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – a brutal, brilliant tour de force 16th November 2023
MATES IN CHELSEA – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – this uneven satire might be the weirdest play of 2023 but it’s a lot of fun 13th November 2023
THE TIME TRAVELLER’S WIFE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – stellar performances lend a turbocharged boost to this musical fantasy 3rd November 2023
JEFFREY BERNARD IS UNWELL – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Robert Bathurst is the latest actor to hit the vodka as the notorious journalist 31st October 2023
DEAR ENGLAND – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s about a lot more than football 22nd October 2023
HAMNET – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – the RSC in fine form with this stage adaptation of popular novel 22nd October 2023
SUNSET BOULEVARD – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Nicole Scherzinger is the talk of the town in this mould-breaking new production 15th October 2023
FLOWERS FOR MRS HARRIS – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Jenna Russell shines in London premiere of an acclaimed British musical 7th October 2023
STEPHEN SONDHEIM’S OLD FRIENDS – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – unbeatable and unmissable 4th October 2023
MLIMA’S TALE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – UK premiere from one of the USA’s finest living playwrights dominated by an astonishing central turn 25th September 2023
POLICE COPS THE MUSICAL – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s utter madness and utterly irresistible 20th September 2023
CHITA – A Memoir – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – if you love musical theatre, this has to be on your bookshelf 12th September 2023
GOD OF CARNAGE – ⭐️ – a rare misfire from a powerhouse venue 7th September 2023
FAREWELL MISTER HAFFMANN – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – smash hit French drama gets a cracking UK premiere 7th September 2023
NEXT TO NORMAL – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s finally here and it was so worth the wait 27th August 2023
A MIRROR – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – reality and truth get a sinister workout in this astonishing new play 27th August 2023
THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s Bikini Bottom bonkers 5th August 2023
BLOODY ELLE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Lauryn Redding rewrites the rule book on one woman shows 26th July 2023
THE SOUND OF MUSIC – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – the classic musical has seldom been done better 20th July 2023
THE WIND AND THE RAIN – ⭐️ – early 20th century smash hit has not stood the test of time 16th July 2023
MODEST – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – punchy queer theatre that’s more than just a history lesson 12th July 2023
MELISSA ERRICO – The Life And Loves Of A Broadway Baby – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – she’s the real thing 11th July 2023
SHEWOLVES – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – teen angst and joy tether themselves to the ‘big picture’ in a delightful female-driven comedy 24th June 2023
SHUTTERS: A Lesbian Rock Opera – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – refreshingly original new musical theatre 19th June 2023
THE MIKADO – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – summer escapism that’s determined not to offend 18th June 2023
42nd STREET – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s still iconic but there’s a speck of grit amongst the escapism 15th June 2023
ASPECTS OF LOVE – ⭐️⭐️ – Michael Ball returns to an early career triumph in a different role 3rd June 2023
ROSE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Maureen Lipman delivering career-best work AGAIN 28th May 2023
OPERATION MINCEMEAT – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it was excellent before, but it’s even better now 26th May 2023
THE MISANDRIST – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – this’ll tickle your funny bone and (possibly) make your eyes water 23rd May 2023
NUL POINTS! – ⭐️⭐️ – Eurovision season is upon us 4th May 2023
THE MOTIVE AND THE CUE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – for the love of theatre…. 3rd May 2023
DANCING AT LUGHNASA – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Go and see this: heartbreak was seldom so exquisite 3rd May 2023
FUCKING MEN – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – honest, funny, occasionally brutal, this updated version is well worth a look 30th April 2023
SWEENEY TODD – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s big, beautiful and starry…but where’s the blood and grit?! 26th April 2023
BLACK SUPERHERO – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – fanciful but urgent, a cracking debut play by Danny Lee Wynter 25th April 2023
SHUCKED – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – probably the biggest and sweetest surprise of this Broadway season 23rd April 2023
CAMELOT – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Aaron Sorkin takes on Lerner & Loewe…who wins? 19th April 2023
FAT HAM – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – makes a tasty meal out of Shakespeare 19th April 2023
WHITE GIRL IN DANGER – ⭐️ – if you thought Cinderella was Bad….. 14th April 2023
A LITTLE LIFE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – how much can one person take?! 8th April 2023
THE DRY HOUSE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – powerful and gritty, welcome to a major new play 8th April 2023
BETTY BLUE EYES – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – first London revival of the Stiles & Drewe musicalisation of ‘A Private Function’ 6th April 2023
EUGENIUS! – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – the irresistible camp comic book caper with banging tunes is back 3rd April 2023
HAY FEVER – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – bad behaviour and musical interludes in a Coward comedy classic 27th March 2023
MARJORIE PRIME – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Science fiction meets searing emotion in this engrossing American play 26th March 2023
ACCIDENTAL DEATH OF AN ANARCHIST – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – corruption and violence just shouldn’t be this funny 18th March 2023
GUYS AND DOLLS – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – the Bridge’s first musical is a Broadway smash 15th March 2023
THE JOURNEY TO VENICE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – you may need tissues for this 9th March 2023
THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF MUSICAL – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – what a sweet treat 7th March 2023
SLEEPOVA – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – female friendships and conflicts, plus a ton of laughter, in this delightful new play 3rd March 2023
BOOTYCANDY – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – sweet and salty, this is something special 21st February 2023
STANDING AT THE SKYS EDGE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – everything we need to see on stage right now 19th February 2023
PHAEDRA – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – lock up the sharp objects, Simon Stone’s messing with the classics again 12th February 2023
BUFF -⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- David O’Reilly shines in terrific new solo play 5th February 2023
LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS – ⭐️⭐️ – disappointing despite the star power 1st February 2023
SOUND OF THE UNDERGROUND – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Sloane Square may never be the same again 31st January 2023
WE’LL ALWAYS HAVE PARIS – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – fromage and female friendship in the City of Light 30th January 2023
WE DIDN’T COME TO HELL FOR THE CROISSANTS – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – there’s a new diva in town 21st January 2023
AND THEN THE RODEO BURNED DOWN – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – the Edinburgh fringe sensation transfers to London 20th January 2023
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – this gets right to the broken heart of it 15th January 2023
SIX – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – they’re still going strong 11th January 2023
PARADISE NOW! – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – another gem at the Bush 8th January 2023
MY TOP 20 NEW THEATRE SHOWS OF 2022 29th December 2022
SOME LIKE IT HOT – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – classic Broadway showmanship but with a modern twist: irresistible 23rd December 2022
SONS OF THE PROPHET – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – funny, edgy, and just superb entertainment 14th December 2022
HARRY’S CHRISTMAS – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s anything but merry 11th December 2022
NEWSIES – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – they’re critic-proof (and probably here to stay) 11th December 2022
KIMBERLY AKIMBO – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – here’s a show and a heroine you’ll never forget 6th December 2022
AIN’T NO MO’ – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Buckle up, it’s brilliant 2nd December 2022
SARAH – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Jonathan Slinger delivering greatness in a fascinating solo show 25th November 2022
THE SEX PARTY – ⭐️⭐️⭐️- the Menier is back, and so is Terry Johnson: this’ll get people talking 17th November 2022
TAMMY FAYE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Katie Brayben is jaw-droppingly good in this ambitious new musical 3rd November 2022
MARY – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – a new perspective on the Queen of Scots 1st November 2022
A DEAD BODY IN TAOS – ⭐️⭐️ – sci-fi meets headscratcher in ambitious new play 29th October 2022
THE CHOIR OF MAN revisited – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s back, and we need it 15th October 2022
THE BAND’S VISIT – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – kindness trumps conflict in this unusual musical 13th October 2022
ONLY AN OCTAVE APART – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Is it cabaret? Is it theatre? Is it a concert? Who cares, it’s divine 1st October 2022
EUREKA DAY – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Helen Hunt and a remarkable cast in this timely and hilarious new(ish) American play 26th September 2022
BRIGHT HALF LIFE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – the performances shine in this UK premiere 22nd September 2022
I, JOAN – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – a revolutionary new take 20th September 2022
THE P WORD – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- fresh, timely and urgent, this is a terrific new play 14th September 2022
DISTINGUISHED VILLA – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – progressive meets old fashioned in this vintage rediscovery 13th September 2022
WHICH CURRENT NEW YORK MUSICALS CAN WE HOPE TO GET ON THIS SIDE OF THE POND? 10th September 2022
INTO THE WOODS – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – not just another journey 26th August 2022
A STRANGE LOOP – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – send in the superlatives 25th August 2022
CRUISE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Jack Holden’s acclaimed show returns 18th August 2022
TWO UKRAINIAN PLAYS – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s a show of two halves 15th August 2022
SOUTH PACIFIC – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s a soul-soaring triumph 13th August 2022
ALL OF US – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A compelling, important new play with a lot on it’s mind 12th August 2022
QUENTIN CRISP: NAKED HOPE -⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- the icon lives! 12th August 2022
JARMAN – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – a gorgeous tribute: if only all history lessons were this engaging 7th August 2022
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING -⭐️⭐️⭐️- it’s a visual feast 24th July 2022
PENNYROYAL – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s true: good things come in small packages 17th July 2022
JACK ABSOLUTE FLIES AGAIN – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- the National has a joyous, big fat summer hit 16th July 2022
MAD HOUSE -⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Harbour and Pullman are a devastating double act 30th June 2022
FOR YOU I’D WAIT – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – exciting new talent and an engaging new musical 13th June 2022
NO PARTICULAR ORDER – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – a brave, bold new piece of writing 9th June 2022
THE HAUNTING OF SUSAN A – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – a very Islington ghost story 8th June 2022
PASSION – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – one of Sondheim’s most complex shows soars in Manchester 23rd May 2022
RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S ‘OKLAHOMA!’ – ⭐️⭐️⭐️- Everybody’s talking about it (guns optional) 11th May 2022
LA BOHÈME – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Puccini gets a very modern makeover 6th May 2022
PRIMA FACIE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Jodie Comer delivers, and then some 4th May 2022
THE STRAW CHAIR – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – a compelling tale so strange it could only be true 4th May 2022
THE BURNT CITY – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – after eight years, Punchdrunk are back! 26th April 2022
RABBIT HOLE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – cracking revival of a Pulitzer Prize-winning American drama 17th April 2022
SCANDALTOWN – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Restoration Comedy meets Ab Fab 15th April 2022
SAD – ⭐️⭐️- it’s over-stuffed with ideas but it’s certainly never boring 11th April 2022
Bram Stoker’s DRACULA – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – a compelling new retelling 27th March 2022
THE HUMAN VOICE -⭐️⭐️ – Ruth Wilson and Ivo van Hove are at it again 27th March 2022
JEWISH HOLLYWOOD – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – does rather more than what it says on the tin! 20th March 2022
BACON – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – is it too early to call Best Play of the Year yet?! 5th March 2022
HENRY V – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Kit Harington is a Henry for our times 3rd March 2022
SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER – ⭐️⭐️ – this nostalgia trip has more than a few bumps 17th February 2022
AN EVENING WITHOUT KATE BUSH – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – get ready to howl: this is a bonkers triumph 9th February 2022
THE GLOW – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – dark magic is happening in Sloane Square 6th February 2022
MOULIN ROUGE! – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – I mean…who needs restraint anyway?! 30th January 2022
HABEAS CORPUS – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- how well has Alan Bennett’s jet black farce aged? 24th December 2021
SPRING AWAKENING – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – the musical heartbreaker is back…and it may just be better than ever 18th December 2021
CABARET – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s a total triumph: unmissable 13th December 2021
THE COMEDY OF ERRORS -⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- the RSC’s Christmas gift to the capital, and it’s a really good one 24th November 2021
STRAIGHT WHITE MEN -⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s a lot, but is it enough?! 17th November 2021
THE CHOIR OF MAN – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – the West End’s next big hit? It wouldn’t surprise me…. 13th November 2021
SIX – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s never gonna close (thank goodness) 10th November 2021
THE SUGAR HOUSE -⭐️⭐️⭐️- tough and tender new writing from Down Under 7th November 2021
PRIDE & PREJUDICE* (Sort Of) – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – is this the funniest show in the West End? 7th November 2021
INDECENT PROPOSAL – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – not necessarily what I was expecting…. 3rd November 2021
THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – yes, the Almeida take on the Scottish Play really IS that good 23rd October 2021
WHITE NOISE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Brace yourself! 21st October 2021
BROKEN LAD – ⭐️ – Arcola Outside opens with a bit of a shocker 21st October 2021
LOVE AND OTHER ACTS OF VIOLENCE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – the Donmar is SO back! 18th October 2021
THE NORMAL HEART -⭐️⭐️⭐️- Larry Kramer’s landmark AIDS play returns 8th October 2021
& JULIET – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – no, not five stars, more…because ‘I want it that way‘ 7th October 2021
HOW TO SURVIVE AN APOCALYPSE- ⭐️⭐️⭐️- UK première for an award-winning Canadian play 4th October 2021
IDA RUBINSTEIN – The Final Act – ⭐️⭐️- A frustrating theatrical hybrid 1st October 2021
BACK TO THE FUTURE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Great Scott! It’s the movie on stage! 29th September 2021
BLITHE SPIRIT – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Jennifer Saunders is a magnificent medium 25th September 2021
THE LAST FIVE YEARS – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – I didn’t think this could get any better but…. 24th September 2021
SMALL CHANGE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – a revival to savour 20th September 2021
IS GOD IS – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Nasty, hilarious, moving…and unmissable 19th September 2021
N W TRILOGY – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – a magnificent evening 18th September 2021
CAMP SIEGFRIED – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s disconcertingly good 18th September 2021
INDECENT – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – if you love theatre, you need to see this 11th September 2021
FROZEN – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s finally here, and it’s (mostly) beautiful 11th September 2021
THE WINDSORS: ENDGAME – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s like being beaten around the head with Tatler…I kinda loved it 6th September 2021
13 – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Youthful exuberance and Jason Robert Brown songs: what’s not to love?! 1st September 2021
CINDERELLA – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s a thumping good time in the theatre 25th August 2021
OLEANNA – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – “Don’t call your wife ‘baby’” 25th August 2021
CAROUSEL – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s not your Grandma’s R&H… 15th August 2021
PARADISE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- so good to be back at the National 14th August 2021
TUBULAR BELLS – LIVE IN CONCERT – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – a thrillride to celebrate the half century of a seminal album 9th August 2021
PARK BENCH – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – a multimedia play for our times, and it’s a real beauty 6th August 2021
ALL THAT – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – the King’s Head Queer Season is underway 6th August 2021
ANYTHING GOES – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – see it, it’ll make your life better 5th August 2021
JOHN & JEN – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – small really IS beautiful 3rd August 2021
MATES IN CHELSEA – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – this uneven satire might be the weirdest play of 2023 but it’s a lot of fun 13th November 2023
THE TIME TRAVELLER’S WIFE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – stellar performances lend a turbocharged boost to this musical fantasy 3rd November 2023
JEFFREY BERNARD IS UNWELL – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Robert Bathurst is the latest actor to hit the vodka as the notorious journalist 31st October 2023
DEAR ENGLAND – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s about a lot more than football 22nd October 2023
HAMNET – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – the RSC in fine form with this stage adaptation of popular novel 22nd October 2023
SUNSET BOULEVARD – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Nicole Scherzinger is the talk of the town in this mould-breaking new production 15th October 2023
FLOWERS FOR MRS HARRIS – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Jenna Russell shines in London premiere of an acclaimed British musical 7th October 2023
STEPHEN SONDHEIM’S OLD FRIENDS – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – unbeatable and unmissable 4th October 2023
MLIMA’S TALE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – UK premiere from one of the USA’s finest living playwrights dominated by an astonishing central turn 25th September 2023
POLICE COPS THE MUSICAL – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s utter madness and utterly irresistible 20th September 2023
CHITA – A Memoir – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – if you love musical theatre, this has to be on your bookshelf 12th September 2023
GOD OF CARNAGE – ⭐️ – a rare misfire from a powerhouse venue 7th September 2023
FAREWELL MISTER HAFFMANN – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – smash hit French drama gets a cracking UK premiere 7th September 2023
NEXT TO NORMAL – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s finally here and it was so worth the wait 27th August 2023
A MIRROR – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – reality and truth get a sinister workout in this astonishing new play 27th August 2023
THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s Bikini Bottom bonkers 5th August 2023
BLOODY ELLE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Lauryn Redding rewrites the rule book on one woman shows 26th July 2023
THE SOUND OF MUSIC – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – the classic musical has seldom been done better 20th July 2023
THE WIND AND THE RAIN – ⭐️ – early 20th century smash hit has not stood the test of time 16th July 2023
MODEST – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – punchy queer theatre that’s more than just a history lesson 12th July 2023
MELISSA ERRICO – The Life And Loves Of A Broadway Baby – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – she’s the real thing 11th July 2023
SHEWOLVES – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – teen angst and joy tether themselves to the ‘big picture’ in a delightful female-driven comedy 24th June 2023
SHUTTERS: A Lesbian Rock Opera – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – refreshingly original new musical theatre 19th June 2023
THE MIKADO – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – summer escapism that’s determined not to offend 18th June 2023
42nd STREET – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s still iconic but there’s a speck of grit amongst the escapism 15th June 2023
ASPECTS OF LOVE – ⭐️⭐️ – Michael Ball returns to an early career triumph in a different role 3rd June 2023
ROSE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Maureen Lipman delivering career-best work AGAIN 28th May 2023
OPERATION MINCEMEAT – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it was excellent before, but it’s even better now 26th May 2023
THE MISANDRIST – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – this’ll tickle your funny bone and (possibly) make your eyes water 23rd May 2023
NUL POINTS! – ⭐️⭐️ – Eurovision season is upon us 4th May 2023
THE MOTIVE AND THE CUE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – for the love of theatre…. 3rd May 2023
DANCING AT LUGHNASA – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Go and see this: heartbreak was seldom so exquisite 3rd May 2023
FUCKING MEN – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – honest, funny, occasionally brutal, this updated version is well worth a look 30th April 2023
SWEENEY TODD – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s big, beautiful and starry…but where’s the blood and grit?! 26th April 2023
BLACK SUPERHERO – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – fanciful but urgent, a cracking debut play by Danny Lee Wynter 25th April 2023
SHUCKED – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – probably the biggest and sweetest surprise of this Broadway season 23rd April 2023
CAMELOT – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Aaron Sorkin takes on Lerner & Loewe…who wins? 19th April 2023
FAT HAM – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – makes a tasty meal out of Shakespeare 19th April 2023
WHITE GIRL IN DANGER – ⭐️ – if you thought Cinderella was Bad….. 14th April 2023
A LITTLE LIFE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – how much can one person take?! 8th April 2023
THE DRY HOUSE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – powerful and gritty, welcome to a major new play 8th April 2023
BETTY BLUE EYES – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – first London revival of the Stiles & Drewe musicalisation of ‘A Private Function’ 6th April 2023
EUGENIUS! – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – the irresistible camp comic book caper with banging tunes is back 3rd April 2023
HAY FEVER – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – bad behaviour and musical interludes in a Coward comedy classic 27th March 2023
MARJORIE PRIME – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Science fiction meets searing emotion in this engrossing American play 26th March 2023
ACCIDENTAL DEATH OF AN ANARCHIST – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – corruption and violence just shouldn’t be this funny 18th March 2023
GUYS AND DOLLS – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – the Bridge’s first musical is a Broadway smash 15th March 2023
THE JOURNEY TO VENICE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – you may need tissues for this 9th March 2023
THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE OFF MUSICAL – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – what a sweet treat 7th March 2023
SLEEPOVA – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – female friendships and conflicts, plus a ton of laughter, in this delightful new play 3rd March 2023
BOOTYCANDY – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – sweet and salty, this is something special 21st February 2023
STANDING AT THE SKYS EDGE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – everything we need to see on stage right now 19th February 2023
PHAEDRA – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – lock up the sharp objects, Simon Stone’s messing with the classics again 12th February 2023
BUFF -⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- David O’Reilly shines in terrific new solo play 5th February 2023
LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS – ⭐️⭐️ – disappointing despite the star power 1st February 2023
SOUND OF THE UNDERGROUND – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Sloane Square may never be the same again 31st January 2023
WE’LL ALWAYS HAVE PARIS – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – fromage and female friendship in the City of Light 30th January 2023
WE DIDN’T COME TO HELL FOR THE CROISSANTS – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – there’s a new diva in town 21st January 2023
AND THEN THE RODEO BURNED DOWN – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – the Edinburgh fringe sensation transfers to London 20th January 2023
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – this gets right to the broken heart of it 15th January 2023
SIX – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – they’re still going strong 11th January 2023
PARADISE NOW! – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – another gem at the Bush 8th January 2023
MY TOP 20 NEW THEATRE SHOWS OF 2022 29th December 2022
SOME LIKE IT HOT – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – classic Broadway showmanship but with a modern twist: irresistible 23rd December 2022
SONS OF THE PROPHET – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – funny, edgy, and just superb entertainment 14th December 2022
HARRY’S CHRISTMAS – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s anything but merry 11th December 2022
NEWSIES – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – they’re critic-proof (and probably here to stay) 11th December 2022
KIMBERLY AKIMBO – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – here’s a show and a heroine you’ll never forget 6th December 2022
AIN’T NO MO’ – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Buckle up, it’s brilliant 2nd December 2022
SARAH – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Jonathan Slinger delivering greatness in a fascinating solo show 25th November 2022
THE SEX PARTY – ⭐️⭐️⭐️- the Menier is back, and so is Terry Johnson: this’ll get people talking 17th November 2022
TAMMY FAYE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Katie Brayben is jaw-droppingly good in this ambitious new musical 3rd November 2022
MARY – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – a new perspective on the Queen of Scots 1st November 2022
A DEAD BODY IN TAOS – ⭐️⭐️ – sci-fi meets headscratcher in ambitious new play 29th October 2022
THE CHOIR OF MAN revisited – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s back, and we need it 15th October 2022
THE BAND’S VISIT – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – kindness trumps conflict in this unusual musical 13th October 2022
ONLY AN OCTAVE APART – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Is it cabaret? Is it theatre? Is it a concert? Who cares, it’s divine 1st October 2022
EUREKA DAY – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Helen Hunt and a remarkable cast in this timely and hilarious new(ish) American play 26th September 2022
BRIGHT HALF LIFE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – the performances shine in this UK premiere 22nd September 2022
I, JOAN – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – a revolutionary new take 20th September 2022
THE P WORD – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- fresh, timely and urgent, this is a terrific new play 14th September 2022
DISTINGUISHED VILLA – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – progressive meets old fashioned in this vintage rediscovery 13th September 2022
WHICH CURRENT NEW YORK MUSICALS CAN WE HOPE TO GET ON THIS SIDE OF THE POND? 10th September 2022
INTO THE WOODS – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – not just another journey 26th August 2022
A STRANGE LOOP – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – send in the superlatives 25th August 2022
CRUISE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Jack Holden’s acclaimed show returns 18th August 2022
TWO UKRAINIAN PLAYS – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s a show of two halves 15th August 2022
SOUTH PACIFIC – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s a soul-soaring triumph 13th August 2022
ALL OF US – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A compelling, important new play with a lot on it’s mind 12th August 2022
QUENTIN CRISP: NAKED HOPE -⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- the icon lives! 12th August 2022
JARMAN – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – a gorgeous tribute: if only all history lessons were this engaging 7th August 2022
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING -⭐️⭐️⭐️- it’s a visual feast 24th July 2022
PENNYROYAL – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s true: good things come in small packages 17th July 2022
JACK ABSOLUTE FLIES AGAIN – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- the National has a joyous, big fat summer hit 16th July 2022
MAD HOUSE -⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Harbour and Pullman are a devastating double act 30th June 2022
FOR YOU I’D WAIT – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – exciting new talent and an engaging new musical 13th June 2022
NO PARTICULAR ORDER – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – a brave, bold new piece of writing 9th June 2022
THE HAUNTING OF SUSAN A – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – a very Islington ghost story 8th June 2022
PASSION – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – one of Sondheim’s most complex shows soars in Manchester 23rd May 2022
RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S ‘OKLAHOMA!’ – ⭐️⭐️⭐️- Everybody’s talking about it (guns optional) 11th May 2022
LA BOHÈME – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Puccini gets a very modern makeover 6th May 2022
PRIMA FACIE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Jodie Comer delivers, and then some 4th May 2022
THE STRAW CHAIR – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – a compelling tale so strange it could only be true 4th May 2022
THE BURNT CITY – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – after eight years, Punchdrunk are back! 26th April 2022
RABBIT HOLE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – cracking revival of a Pulitzer Prize-winning American drama 17th April 2022
SCANDALTOWN – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Restoration Comedy meets Ab Fab 15th April 2022
SAD – ⭐️⭐️- it’s over-stuffed with ideas but it’s certainly never boring 11th April 2022
Bram Stoker’s DRACULA – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – a compelling new retelling 27th March 2022
THE HUMAN VOICE -⭐️⭐️ – Ruth Wilson and Ivo van Hove are at it again 27th March 2022
JEWISH HOLLYWOOD – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – does rather more than what it says on the tin! 20th March 2022
BACON – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – is it too early to call Best Play of the Year yet?! 5th March 2022
HENRY V – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Kit Harington is a Henry for our times 3rd March 2022
SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER – ⭐️⭐️ – this nostalgia trip has more than a few bumps 17th February 2022
AN EVENING WITHOUT KATE BUSH – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – get ready to howl: this is a bonkers triumph 9th February 2022
THE GLOW – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – dark magic is happening in Sloane Square 6th February 2022
MOULIN ROUGE! – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – I mean…who needs restraint anyway?! 30th January 2022
HABEAS CORPUS – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- how well has Alan Bennett’s jet black farce aged? 24th December 2021
SPRING AWAKENING – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – the musical heartbreaker is back…and it may just be better than ever 18th December 2021
CABARET – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s a total triumph: unmissable 13th December 2021
THE COMEDY OF ERRORS -⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- the RSC’s Christmas gift to the capital, and it’s a really good one 24th November 2021
STRAIGHT WHITE MEN -⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s a lot, but is it enough?! 17th November 2021
THE CHOIR OF MAN – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – the West End’s next big hit? It wouldn’t surprise me…. 13th November 2021
SIX – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s never gonna close (thank goodness) 10th November 2021
THE SUGAR HOUSE -⭐️⭐️⭐️- tough and tender new writing from Down Under 7th November 2021
PRIDE & PREJUDICE* (Sort Of) – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – is this the funniest show in the West End? 7th November 2021
INDECENT PROPOSAL – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – not necessarily what I was expecting…. 3rd November 2021
THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – yes, the Almeida take on the Scottish Play really IS that good 23rd October 2021
WHITE NOISE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Brace yourself! 21st October 2021
BROKEN LAD – ⭐️ – Arcola Outside opens with a bit of a shocker 21st October 2021
LOVE AND OTHER ACTS OF VIOLENCE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – the Donmar is SO back! 18th October 2021
THE NORMAL HEART -⭐️⭐️⭐️- Larry Kramer’s landmark AIDS play returns 8th October 2021
& JULIET – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – no, not five stars, more…because ‘I want it that way‘ 7th October 2021
HOW TO SURVIVE AN APOCALYPSE- ⭐️⭐️⭐️- UK première for an award-winning Canadian play 4th October 2021
IDA RUBINSTEIN – The Final Act – ⭐️⭐️- A frustrating theatrical hybrid 1st October 2021
BACK TO THE FUTURE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Great Scott! It’s the movie on stage! 29th September 2021
BLITHE SPIRIT – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Jennifer Saunders is a magnificent medium 25th September 2021
THE LAST FIVE YEARS – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – I didn’t think this could get any better but…. 24th September 2021
SMALL CHANGE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – a revival to savour 20th September 2021
IS GOD IS – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Nasty, hilarious, moving…and unmissable 19th September 2021
N W TRILOGY – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – a magnificent evening 18th September 2021
CAMP SIEGFRIED – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s disconcertingly good 18th September 2021
INDECENT – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – if you love theatre, you need to see this 11th September 2021
FROZEN – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s finally here, and it’s (mostly) beautiful 11th September 2021
THE WINDSORS: ENDGAME – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s like being beaten around the head with Tatler…I kinda loved it 6th September 2021
13 – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Youthful exuberance and Jason Robert Brown songs: what’s not to love?! 1st September 2021
CINDERELLA – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s a thumping good time in the theatre 25th August 2021
OLEANNA – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – “Don’t call your wife ‘baby’” 25th August 2021
CAROUSEL – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – it’s not your Grandma’s R&H… 15th August 2021
PARADISE – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- so good to be back at the National 14th August 2021
TUBULAR BELLS – LIVE IN CONCERT – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – a thrillride to celebrate the half century of a seminal album 9th August 2021
PARK BENCH – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – a multimedia play for our times, and it’s a real beauty 6th August 2021
ALL THAT – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – the King’s Head Queer Season is underway 6th August 2021
ANYTHING GOES – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – see it, it’ll make your life better 5th August 2021
JOHN & JEN – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – small really IS beautiful 3rd August 2021