The abundant musical and artistic quality impresses again as Melbourne Opera presents Siegfried, third instalment in their mighty Bendigo Ring Cycle. Seen last September in concert, Siegfried comes to rich dramatic life in its fully staged production. Led by sturdy heldentenor Bradley Daley in the title role, the opera begins gradually with domestic drama before surging on to dragon slaying, a helpful singing bird, and the romantic rescue of Brünnhilde.
NEWS: Sam McGowan’s American journey as a creative director is going from strength to strength
Hitting the ground running in Florida, Sam McGowan has been in the USA a mere ten months and already has made a huge impression within the entertainment industry, getting himself involved in various creative projects and showcasing his talent and experience right from the moment he landed in March of 2022. Hailing from Bournemouth, McGowan began his American dream by joining forces with …
‘Highlights the heartwarming & empowering messages’: Kinky Boots the Musical in Concert – Theatre Royal Drury Lane ★★★★
Kinky Boots the Musical in Concert at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane is a fantastic showcase of a great cast as well as the heartwarming story that works surprisingly well in concert form. I can only imagine how great this ensemble would be in a fully staged production with all the glitz and glam the show deserves.
‘The sumptuous score is showcased to the highest degree’: CHESS THE MUSICAL IN CONCERT – Theatre Royal Drury Lane ★★★★
After the success earlier in the year of Bonnie and Clyde in Concert, the bar has been set rather high for what concert productions at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane can provide, and Chess the Musical in Concert certainly hits the mark.
’An evening of pure entertainment’: BARRY HUMPHRIES: THE MAN BEHIND THE MASK – Touring
Barry Humphries’ show The Man Behind the Mask is an exploration of his life and career, and what influenced and prompted him to ultimately become an international star selling out theatres in the West End and on Broadway.
‘A testament to resilience, chutzpah & sheer golden talent’: JEWISH HOLLYWOOD – Upstairs at the Gatehouse
Any study of the history of popular music would be a very slim tome indeed without the contribution of Jewish songwriters, and that’s doubly true when it comes to considering the greatest showbusiness hits.
‘A heartwarming & affectionate evening of music & stories’: MARIA FRIEDMAN & FRIENDS – Menier Chocolate Factory ★★★★
This enchanting celebration of work by Marvin Hamlisch, Michel Legrand and Stephen Sondheim is certainly worth catching for the range of music and stories that are shared.
FROM DOWN UNDER: Broadway’s Fun Home in its Melbourne debut
Delayed over the past two theatrically arid years, multi-Tony Award-winning musical Fun Home finally makes its Melbourne debut, arriving in a superbly cast, sharply directed production.
Panto not your thing? Lucie Jones & other alternative festive shows this Christmas
Not up for seeing panto but still fancy getting out of the house before Omicron burns it all down? Here are some alternatives to pantomimes this month.
‘A beautiful reunion for Michael Xavier & Emma Williams’: LOVE STORY 10th Anniversary Concert – Cadogan Hall
This 10th Anniversary Concert of Love Story was such a gorgeous way to spend a Sunday evening.
NEWS: Concert staging of Sunset Boulevard at Royal Albert Hall reunites Mazz Murray, Ramin Karimlo, Zizi Strallen & Jeremy Secomb
In a special, one-night-only concert, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Don Black and Christopher Hampton’s musical Sunset Boulevard will be staged at London’s Royal Albert Hall on 3 December 2021.
‘Bill Bailey is simply brilliant’: Cabaret All Stars – Proud Embankment
Mastering his fusion of comedy and music and demonstrating his skills on the piano and guitar, Bill Bailey seamlessly holds the entire show Proud Cabaret All Stars show together.
NEWS: West End showcase will feature 15 up & coming musical theatre writers
A concert to celebrate the Chamber Musical Project will take place on 4 October 2021 at London’s Garrick Theatre. The Chamber Musical Sessions concert will invite audiences to join the selected 15 writing teams from across the UK to hear an array of new songs from the chamber musicals that they are writing.
‘Wonderfully tuneful affair’: A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING – Edinburgh International Festival
A Grand Night For Singing as part of the Edinburgh International Festival is done with such grace and skill that it is difficult to feel much but warmth towards it.
‘Joyous & vital’: TUCK SHOP WEST END – Garrick Theatre ★★★★★
Tuck Shop West End is a two week takeover of the Garrick Theatre showcasing drag and queer performers. Joe Black is a Brighton-based cabaret and drag performer, most recently seen worldwide on the stage of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK being shouted at for wearing an H&M dress.
‘A ridiculously entertaining evening’: CHOIR OF MAN – London Wonderground
Choir of Man entertains in the Wonderground Earl’s Court, from ubiquitous producers the Underbelly. It is certainly hard to leave without a big smile on your face.
NEWS: Alfie Boe leads a cast of West End, Broadway & music stars at the Picnic Proms Summer Concert Series
Alfie Boe, Sir Willard White, Aled Jones, Tenors Unlimited and Queen Symphonic will headline Picnic Proms Summer Concert Series, a three-day series of concerts featuring musical theatre legends, orchestral icons, a symphonic spectacular and spellbinding silent firework displays.
‘Every song is a certified banger’: THE MUSIC OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER – Curve Leicester
The songs featured in The Music Of Andrew Lloyd Webber have become standards for a reason and it is a pleasure to hear them performed by an excellent cast.
‘There is something for absolutely everyone’: WEST END MUSICAL CELEBRATION – Palace Theatre ★★★★★
As the final chorus of The Greatest Showman’s ‘From Now On’ rang out “and we will come back home”, I was reminded that the theatre really is home and if West End Musical Celebration is what it’s like then I never want to leave.
‘We’ll find out on the night if my Dad jokes have got even worse’: John Owen-Jones celebrates his 50th birthday at the Cadogan Hall
@LoveLDNLoveCul chatted to John Owen-Jones about marking his 50th birthday with a concert at the Cadogan Hall and his new podcast.