Endearing, funny and charming, the National Gallery’s Picture Perfect Christmas is truly the perfect event for wholesome family fun. Writer and director Francesca Renee Reid bases the production on Avercamp’s ‘A Winter Scene With Skaters Near A Castle’, with a beautiful castle set and snowy landscape.
Mates blogger: Luca Molinari
Luca Molinari is one of over 45 theatre bloggers who are part of the MyTheatreMates collective. This page features Luca'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.
In love with the city of London (and grateful for all its opportunities), but also with theatre and music, Luca Molinari started his blog London Theatre Reviews in 2018, with the idea of sharing reviews, news and interviews in an easy and accessible way.
The latest from Luca on MyTheatreMates
‘Creative & inspiring’: U.Me The Musical – BBC World Service (Online review) ★★★★★
With music and lyrics by Theo Jamieson and book by Simon Pitts, the conception of U.Me The Musical is imaginative and instinctively touching.
‘It shows the glorious tonic of art’: PRELUDES – Southwark Playhouse (Online review) ★★★★★
The three-time Tony Award nominee Dave Malloy’s musical Preludes follows the life of Sergei Rachmaninoff (the role is split into two with musical theatre star Keith Ramsay taking on the role of Rach, and the incredible concert pianist Tom Noyes as Rachmaninoff).
‘The talent of the cast is outstanding’: I COULD USE A DRINK – Stream.Theatre (Online review)
Written by Drew Gasparini and produced for the UK premiere by Liam Gartland and Alex Conder, I Could Use A Drink is a song cycle following the relatable and challenging stories that many people (particularly young people) face.
‘Bubbly & sprightly like champagne’: THE SORROWS OF SATAN (Online review) ★★★★
A new musical play, The Sorrows of Satan, by Luke Bateman and Michael Conley has opened for a run of streamed performances. We were invited to preview the quirky comedy adaptation of the Faust story filmed at the stunning Brocket Hall.
‘The inclusivity of the game is genuinely impressive’: THIS IS REALITY 2000 – Objective Entertainment (Online review) ★★★★
This Is Reality 2000 is a ‘Big Brother’ style interactive zoom gameshow designed to bring together friends in a night of “nostalgic noughties references, videos, trivia and a pumping Y2K – themed soundtrack”.
‘Quality entertainment with flawless vocals throughout’: SOFT SESSIONS IN CONCERT – Stream.Theatre (Online review) ★★★★★
Following on from a highly successful YouTube series, this special Soft Sessions concert brings together Grace Mouat, Courtney Stapleton, Jake Halsey-Jones, Martha Kirby, Eloise Davies and Danielle Fiamanya, each putting their own personal spin on songs from popular artists that they personally love, from Beyonce to Luther Vandross.
‘Satirical throughout’: THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST – The Dukes Lancaster (Online review)
This re-working of The Importance of Being Earnest is fun, frothy, and at a time when theatres are in the dark, provides a much-needed laugh, and laugh I did.
’An absolute joy to watch’: DISENCHANTED – Stream.Theatre (Online review) ★★★★
As we trail along the roadmap slowly leading us back to theatres, let us not forget the incredible performances that are still coming to our screens, and Disenchanted is one not to be forgotten.
‘An immersive experience with a twist’: EGGSTRACTION – Morpheus (Online review) ★★★★★
Eggstraction is cleverly put together and gives you the nostalgia of feeling like you are an in immersive theatre show while still being in the comfort of your own home.
‘I still have to pinch myself that it is actually happening’: Andrew Bateup represents the theatre industry on The Voice UK
After winning a “musical theatre” battle with Matthew Croke, Andrew Bateup is getting ready for the semi-finals of The Voice (this Saturday, 8.30pm, ITV). Andrew is not just a great singer: his theatre credits include the UK tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2012-15) and Choir Of Man (2019).
‘One of the most fun evenings I have had in lockdown’: The Custody Suite: The Online Experience (Online review)
The Custody Suite Online Experience is perhaps one of the most fun evenings I have had in lockdown. It’s interactive, fun, reflects a real-life experience and there is even a prize for the Best Detective.
‘A perfect balance of soundscape & speech’: BREAKING UP WITH REALITY – Living Record Festival (Online review) ★★★★
Most of us are stuck at home right now, but Nod At The Fox use this time to their advantage with their brilliant audio experience, Breaking Up With Reality; a new project launched for the Living Record Festival 2021.
Album Review: The Future Ain’t What It Used To Be – Danielle Steers
West End star Danielle Steers is soon to share her brand new album featuring nine Jim Steinman songs. Entitled The Future Ain’t What It Used To Be, all of the tracks have been rearranged by Noam Galperin to give the upcoming release a fresh feel, particularly fitting to her unique voice.
‘One of the best online immersive entertainments out there’: THE INQUEST (Online review)
With continued twists and turns, The Inquest has many different possibilities as you work together with other audience members to ensure that the correct outcome is achieved.
‘Joel shows off a natural flair for comedy’: THE FOSSE FOREST BALLET (Online review) ★★★★
The Forest Fosse Ballet shows great potential to be developed further into a full series, with a great sense of comedy and many funny relatable characters.
‘Relatable & funny’: THE GIFT THAT KEEPS GIVING (Online review)
Pink Pig Productions, set up by performer Reece Kerridge, has just released the first episode of its new online sitcom The Gift That Keeps Giving.
’An undeniable triumph’: SUNSET BOULVARD IN CONCERT – Leicester Curve (Online review) ★★★★★
The Curve, Leicester’s production of Sunset Boulevard takes the streaming of live theatre to a new level, not only with its music and storytelling, all performed by a wonderful cast, but also in the way in which it showcases the skill and talent of the entire team both on and off the stage.
‘GHBoy raises awareness on many people struggling with trauma & abuse’: Marc Bosch stars in GHBoy at the Charing Cross Theatre
Actor Marc Bosch plays Sergi in GHBoy which runs at London’s Charing Cross Theatre from 3-30 December 2020. Originally from Barcelona, he made his professional stage debut earlier this year in Justícia at the National Theatre of Barcelona. His television credits include The Split and Sky Rojo.
‘Should be given a listen by anyone & everyone’: PLAY INSIDE – OTHER MOTHERS (Online review) ★★★★
Play Inside is an experimental podcast that brings its first series, Other Mothers, to our homes. With a diverse range of writers and actors from disabled, queer and ethnic minority backgrounds, it definitely holds itself accountable for an inclusive production.