The Quality of Mercy, a new one-man play about notorious British serial killer Harold Shipman, premieres at London’s Courtyard Theatre this month. Taking a break from rehearsals, writer and performer Edwin Flay told us more about his very personal family connection to Shipman’s crimes.
NEWS: Follow the trail of Kemp’s Jig, an Elizabethan tale of bruised egos & sore feet, from Norwich to London
In 1600 English Will Kemp triumphantly arrived in Norwich after Morris dancing the entire 125-mile journey from London. Now audiences can relive his one-man romp through the country lanes of Elizabethan England in Blue Fire Theatre Company’s production of Kemp’s Jig which is heading to those very locations: the Maddermarket Theatre, Norwich on 28 September 2022 and Hampton Hill Theatre in Richmond on 1 October.
VIDEO & PHOTOS: A devilish Q&A with the company of Lazarus Theatre’s Doctor Faustus
What might entice you to sell your soul to the devil? Fame? Riches? Immortality? World peace? A rent-free London flat? Four pints of Guinness? At my post-show Q&A for a production of Doctor Faustus, that was an irresistible question to pose to the company. But before that, we covered much else to do concerning adaptation and the creative process, with a lot of fun and laughter.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: Handbagged at the Kiln Theatre
Love London Love Culture’s Emma Clarendon discovers what critics have had to say about the revival of Moira Buffini’s political comedy Handbagged now playing at the Kiln Theatre.
VIDEO & PHOTOS: A memorable night of both sadness & celebration with the cast & creatives of Proforca’s Flashbang
The death of Queen Elizabeth II was announced just before my arrival at the Lion & Unicorn Theatre. Like the rest of the country, the theatre staff had been braced for the sad news. So the world premiere of Proforca’s Flashbang was preceded by a public address and collective silence.
FEATURED SHOW: ★★★★★ Flashbang is ‘full of the usual Proforca magic’. Reviews are in!
Flashbang, Proforca Theatre’s latest new play at London’s Lion & Unicorn Theatre, has attracted a slew of five- and four-star reviews for its premiere production, which must end this Saturday 17 September 2022. We’ve rounded up review highlights.
At the theatre after an extraordinary day that saw us bid farewell to Her Majesty the Queen
Welcome to today’s edition of ShentonSTAGE Daily, after an extraordinary day that saw us bid farewell to Her Majesty the Queen, after a reign of 70 years that saw her appoint 15 prime ministers — the latest of whom Liz Truss she met only on Tuesday. Truss will now be reporting in a weekly audience to King Charles III (coincidentally the title of Mike Bartlett’s 2014 play which imagined the future that awaited him — and us — that transferred to the West End and Broadway).
REVIEW ROUND-UP: I, Joan at Shakespeare’s Globe
Love London Love Culture’s Emma Clarendon takes a look at what critics have had to say about Ilinca Radulian’s production at the Shakespeare’s Globe.
PHOTOS: Proforca Theatre’s latest explosive new play Flashbang premieres
Who are your mates forever? What would blow your world apart? Flashbang, Proforca Theatre’s latest explosive new play, premieres this week at London’s Lion & Unicorn Theatre. Check out the first-look production photos – and then get booking!
‘This is a show that brings pure post-pandemic joy’: Arlene Phillips explains why The Cher Show is ‘unmissable & fabulous’
Both have successful decade-spanning careers. Both are driven and fiercely independent. And then there’s the mutual love of sequins. Arlene Phillips talks to Vicky Edwards about Girl Power, refusing to act her age and why The Cher Show is an unmissable and fabulously feel-good extravaganza.
‘Exhilarating & frustrating’: MUSES – The Space (Online Show)
Both exhilarating and frustrating, Muses brings something new and innovative to the theatre space. It’s often just beautiful, and sometimes bizarre. I’m interested to see what Puro Caos have in store for us next.
‘The audience involvement is what makes it special’: Julian Forsyth is thrilled to be returning to The Woman in Black
Love London Love Culture’s Emma Clarendon chatted to Julian Forsyth about starring in The Woman in Black as Arthur Kipps in London’s West End.
‘I think audiences can expect the unexpected’: Nadine Higgin prepares for her role in Yellowman at the Orange Tree Theatre
Nadine Higgin stars as Alma in the forthcoming production of Yellowman, which opens at the Orange Tree Theatre next month. Kirsty Herrington spoke with Nadine to find out more about her latest play.
Does prison actually work? Playwright James Kenworth on reformer Elizabeth Fry + show trailer
Elizabeth Fry: The Angel of Prisons, the latest in a series of site-specific plays inspired by the history of Newham in east London, is running this week in the Elizabeth Fry Room at Canning Town Library. We spoke to playwright James Kenworth about the Victorian reformer who inspired the play. Book now before it’s too late!
VIDEO: ‘Me & my mates were going to be best friends forever’. Watch Proforca’s Flashbang trailer!
What happens when your world is blown apart? The trailer for Flashbang, Proforca Theatre’s latest explosive new play, packs a punch. Have a watch – and then get booking!
REVIEW ROUND-UP: Diva: Live From Hell! at the Turbine Theatre
Love London Love Culture’s Emma Clarendon takes a look at what critics have had to say about the UK premiere of Alexander Sage Oyen and Nora Brigid Monahan’s musical Diva: Live From Hell!, playing a limited run at the Turbine Theatre.
‘This show has a strong message for today’: Sera Maehara returns to the role of Liat in South Pacific in London & on tour
Love London Love Culture’s Emma Clarendon chatted to Sera Maehara about reprising her role as Liat in Daniel Evans’ production of South Pacific. We chatted to Sera Maehara about reprising her role as Liat in Daniel Evans’ production of South Pacific. How does it feel to be part of this production once again?I
feel very grateful to be back in this show. The process is very exciting, it’s not just coming back to what we found last year, but also discovering new approaches and adjusting to what feels right for us this year.
New post-show Q&A: Terri Paddock invites you on an explosive & gut-punching rollercoaster ride with Proforca’s Flashbang
After fascinating discussions around Feel, At Last and Lately, I’m back with Proforca Theatre to discuss Flashbang, the company’s fifth new play by James Lewis, as well as exciting new work by associate artists also programmed during the autumn season at the Lion & Unicorn Theatre.
Review Round Up: Peaky Blinders: The Rise at Camden Garrison
Discover what critics have had to say about Peaky Blinders: The Rise at Camden Garrison in Camden Stables Market, the latest immersive show to play in London.
PHOTOS: Sneak a peek into rehearsals for the premiere of Proforca’s Flashbang
It’s just four weeks to go until the world premiere of Proforca Theatre’s latest explosive new play Flashbang, which has a strictly limited run launching the new autumn season at London’s Lion & Unicorn Theatre. Sneak a peek inside the rehearsal room – and then get booking!