Director Jamie Lloyd offers up a complete reimagining of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical and one which feels sparkingly fresh in every single aspect.
Mates blogger: Ian Foster
Ian Foster is one of over 45 theatre bloggers who are part of the MyTheatreMates collective. This page features Ian's posts on MyTheatreMates. 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.
Since 2003, Ian Foster has been writing reviews of plays, sometimes with a critical element, on his blog Ought to Be Clowns, which has been listed as one of the UK's Top Ten Theatre Blogs by Lastminute.com, Vuelio and Superbreak. He averages more than 350+ shows a year. He says: "Call me a reviewer, a critic or a blogger, and you will apparently put someone or other's nose out of joint! So take it or leave it, essentially this is my theatrical diary, recording everything I go to see at the theatre in London and beyond, and venturing a little into the worlds of music and film/TV where theatrical connections can be made."
The latest from Ian on MyTheatreMates
Four shows for the family in London this August: which to see?
A rare summer in the city for me means I can take in some of the family shows on in the West End right now – including Mr Gum and the Dancing Bear the Musical, The Scarecrow’s Wedding, Where is Peter Rabbit? and Monstersaurus.
‘I suppose Harry Potter And The Cursed Child was a ripple’: 10 questions for 10 years – Noma Dumezweni
So pleased to have one of my favourite actresses take on the 10 questions for 10 years challenge – all hail Noma Dumezweni!
‘I wish for a finer appreciation of the new media landscape’: 10 questions for 10 years – Rebecca Felgate
Social media queen Rebecca Felgate puts down her gin-in-a-tin for long enough to answer some questions about the world of theatre.
‘I’ve been quite blessed with many highlights’: 10 questions for 10 years – Gabby Wong
Always guaranteed to be appearing in something interesting, Gabby Wong takes a moment to tackle 10 pressing questions for me.
‘I’ve really loved interviewing actors, writers & directors about their work’: 10 questions for 10 years – Alex Ramon
Tinkle, drizzle, bubble and gush! Alex Ramon, the man forever Boycotting Trends take up the 10 questions challenge.
‘I guess having two plays on the same West End street was lots of fun’: 10 questions for 10 years – James Graham
Playwright James Graham may have had two plays in the West End at the same time but can he handle ten questions from me?!
‘There’s a lot of exciting, ferocious, young theatre-makers out there’: 10 questions for 10 years – Rosie Wyatt
She’s been acting less time than I’ve been blogging but I can’t hold that against Rosie Wyatt, an actress whose name you should know.
‘It’s the creative team’s role to bring a play to fresh life’: 10 questions for 10 years – Rufus Norris
Rather tickled that no less than the artistic director of the National Theatre Rufus Norris himself does time out of his hectic schedule to answer Ten (9) Questions for Ten Years.
Where were you 10 years ago?
I’d just directed Death and the King’s Horseman by Wole Soyinka in the Olivier Theatre.
Best show you’ve seen in the last 10 years?
An impossible question to answer but if I had to pick one it would be Pericles (Public Acts) in the Olivier last year.
What has been your professional highlight of the last 10 years?
Becoming Director of the National Theatre and London Road.
Top flavour of interval ice-cream?
Salted caramel.
What show do you wish theatres would give a rest for a few years?
Many plays have the potential to be boring or resonant so it’s the creative team’s role to bring a play to fresh life.
Name someone who you think is a really underappreciated talent (in the world of theatre)?
There are so many unsung heroes working within theatre, from the technical teams behind-the-scenes making magic happen on stage, to those ensuring the smooth running of a building, I’m always amazed by their commitment. A few people who come to mind are Erin Lee in Archive, Nicky Holderness in Props and the set builder Simon.
What is one thing that you think would help theatre survive and/or thrive the next ten years?
An education system that recognises the huge benefit that only the arts can deliver, and a shift in philosophy that correctly views subsidy as investment for the good of this country.
Which is your favourite theatre?
The National Theatre, of course. I also love the Royal Exchange in Manchester.
Can you say anything about what’s to come for you, (in the next ten years or otherwise)?
Loads of plays including our next Public Acts show As You Like It with a cast of 100 community members at the Queens Theatre in Hornchurch. Hopefully a little time spent in nature in between.
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‘I’m not sure why we are approaching Broadway prices’: 10 questions for 10 years – Rebecca Caine
Canadian soprano and OG Cosette, Rebecca Caine
Rebecca Caine may have been in a couple of musicals you’ve heard of before, but my introduction to her was through Tête à Tête’s inspired take on Salad Days at the old Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, recollections of which below. She’s also one of the more entertaining people to follow on Twitter, just don’t mention anyone called Jonas…
“Salad Days! Such a lovely production. I used to love pulling people out to dance with, some would dance me off my feet, as a Don in the pre show, seating Cameron Mackintosh, calling him Mackintosh Minor and telling him to pull his socks up and watching the happiness of the audience at the end when they were just happy to be silly on a sunny day in 1954 Hyde Park.”
Where were you 10 years ago?
Teaching at Trinity Laban and singing a lot of concerts, I think.
Best show you’ve seen in the last 10 years?
I adored An American in Paris.
What has been your professional highlight of the last 10 years?
Finally singing Barber’s Knoxville.
Top flavour of interval ice-cream?
I refuse to remortgage my home and I prefer to keep my bella figura.
What show do you wish theatres would give a rest for a few years?
Jukebox bollocks.
Name someone who you think is a really underappreciated talent (in the world of theatre)?
She’s not under appreciated because she never stops working but she should be a mega star- Anna-Jane Casey.
Elphaba or Glinda?
Glinda, obviously, I prefer a low larynx.
What is one thing that you think would help theatre survive and/or thrive the next ten years?
Lower ticket prices. All I could see was old white people at Hamilton. I’m not sure why we are approaching Broadway prices and yet the actors’ salaries in London are far lower. It’s pure greed.
Which is your favourite theatre?
Is it the Matcham theatre in Buxton or Belfast that has the Indian theme and the boxes are elephants heads? It’s a draw between that and the tiny Georgian one in Margate. Full of ghosts.
Can you say anything about what’s to come for you, (in the next ten years or otherwise)?
What am I, Mystic Meg? As James Mason once said- there’s a lot to be done in the garden.
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‘I feel so sorry for those people who have to work to a formula’: 10 questions for 10 years – Megan Vaughan
With nary an emoji in sight, Megan Vaughan answers Ten Questions for Ten Years with characteristic frankness.
10 questions for 10 years – Samuel Barnett
Original History Boy Samuel Barnett takes on the 10 Questions for 10 Years challenge.
‘People need to go to the theatre & see themselves represented’: 10 questions for 10 years – Nadim Naaman
Actor/singer/writer/dad Nadim Naaman takes a moment to answer 10 Questions for 10 Years most thoughtfully indeed.
‘This sets the (trapeze) bar very high indeed’: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM – Bridge Theatre
Nicholas Hytner gives us an utterly inspired take on A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Bridge Theatre, with Gwendoline Christie in stupendous form.
10 questions for 10 years – Hans Kesting
Internationaal Theater Amsterdam’s Hans Kesting was my first ever Best Actor award winner and has continued to be one of the most interesting actors around, in any language.
10 questions for 10 years – Theatre critic Henry Hitchings
The outgoing Evening Standard theatre reviewer Henry Hitchings takes a little time to reflect with 10 easygoing questions.
ALBUM REVIEW: Justine Balmer – Simple Thing
From Coldplay to Claude Debussy, crossover soprano Justine Balmer’s debut album Simple Thing is a collection of songs that work well together.
10 questions for 10 years – Playwright Tom Wells
How many of us can say we’ve inspired some branded condoms?! Find out more as playwright Tom Wells becomes the first person to answer 10 questions for 10 years.
‘This is an actor we will surely be talking about for years to come’: COUNTRY MUSIC – Omnibus Theatre
A sensational performance from Cary Crankson anchors a powerful production of Simon Stephens’ Country Music at Clapham’s Omnibus Theatre.
‘Makes for a striking experience on stage’: DEAD DOG IN A SUITCASE – Lyric Hammersmith & Touring
The inimitable Kneehigh retools The Beggar’s Opera in Dead Dog in a Suitcase (and other love songs).