Confused in its execution, this touring version of Frankenstein has high production values but offers a rushed retelling of the story that fails to work in practice.
‘Feels repetitive & frustrating’: A MUSEUM IN BAGHDAD – Swan Theatre, Stratford upon Avon ★★★
There is nothing wrong with having two periods onstage at once, and the fine cast does its best with the infuriatingly threadbare drawing of relationships, but The RSC’s A Museum in Baghdad feel like a bit of a mess.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: As 42nd Street hits the big screen, remember the ★★★★★ critical reception
On 10 and 12 November 2019, 42nd Street will be screened to more than 650 cinemas across the UK and Ireland. Critics were sent into a frenzy over this largest-ever staging of the Tony® Award-winning Broadway musical classic during its run at the West End’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane. We’ve rounded up review highlights.
NEWS: Murder in the Cathedral to be given stunning cathedral stagings this autumn
TS Eliot’s tale of the killing of Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral, Murder in the Cathedral, will be staged in a trio of religious buildings next month as Scena Mundi Theatre takes it on a short tour. Book your tickets now.
‘Beautifully imagined & flawlessly executed’: LES MISERABLES – Touring
We’re in a venue that certainly gives a grand old-school sense of occasion, and Les Misérables is nothing if not ultimate theatre.
‘Robert Lindsay is mesmerising’: PRISM – Touring ★★★★
Prism, written and directed by the acclaimed playwright Terry Johnson, tells the story of cinematographer Jack Cardiff in the latter years of his life.
NEWS: Director Jonathan Church launches new production company with Trafalgar Entertainment
Award-winning theatre director and producer Jonathan Church CBE, has announced the launch of a new production company Jonathan Church Theatre Productions supported by Trafalgar Entertainment’s Joint CEOs Sir Howard Panter and Dame Rosemary Squire.
‘Shocking, foul-mouthed, ferociously brutal & brilliantly played’: SING YER HEART OUT FOR THE LADS – Chichester ★★★★★
Roy Williams’ incendiary 2002 play, Sing Yer Heart Out for the Lads, which attacks grass roots racism with all the finesse of a vintage Vinnie Jones tackle, is back and spewing vitriol in Chichester Festival Theatre’s pop-up space, The Spiegeltent.
NEWS: Largest-ever staging of 42nd Street hits 650 cinema screens from 10 Nov
More2Screen has announced the cinema release of the critically acclaimed West End revival of Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble’s 42nd Street, which will be screened in more than 550 cinemas across the UK and Ireland from 10 November 2019. This is the largest-ever staging of the Tony® Award-winning musical – pure musical magic on the big screen. Cinema tickets are on sale now.
‘Adaptation keeps the young audience’s attention’: BILLIONAIRE BOY – Touring ★★★★★
David Walliams’ book Billionaire Boy transfers well to the stage and with this talented cast it makes it a very watchable and enjoyable night out.
‘Tremendous, marvellouslly staged ensemble’: ASSASSINS – Watermill Theatre, Newbury ★★★★
Bill Buckhurst’s production of Assassins has all the necessary vigour and the human seriousness too: plus it helps having a stunningly gifted set of actor-musicians roaming the stage.
‘Flows beautifully’: GASLIGHT – Touring ★★★★
Today Gaslighting is a familiar phrase used by psychologist and domestic abuse organisations. The origins of that phrase are this very play, a dark psychological thriller. Patrick Hamilton’s plot is elegantly re-created by a talented cast, focusing on the torment of an emotionally abused Victorian wife.
‘Threatens to sound better than the original’: DADDY LONG LEGS – Cirencester ★★★★★
With direction from Kirstie Davis, the music, choreography, design and talent all coincide for a great production of Daddy Long Legs at the Barn Theatre.
‘A rich tapestry of music brings the story to life’: ISLANDER – Southwark Playhouse
Finn Anderson’s stunning score for Islander at Southwark Playhouse is performed beautifully by Bethany Tennick and Kirsty Findlay who pull off Amy Draper’s ingenious concept & direction seamlessly.
‘Adeptly traverses the conflicting genres of the original problem play’: MEASURE FOR MEASURE – Touring ★★★★
Intertwining ribald comedy with a morality tale is no easy feat, yet an outstanding cast and creative team reinforce this thought-provoking and immersive experience of Measure for Measure for all to enjoy.
‘Class act from start to end’: WHAT’S IN A NAME? – Touring
Jeremy Sams’ translation of Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de la Patellière’s 2010 play Le Prénom, What’s in a Name? proves to be a class act from start to end.
‘Spellbinding story of love, loss & belonging’: HURRICANE DIARIES – Blue Elephant Theatre ★★★★
Amanda Vilanova’s Hurricane Diaries is a moving and passionate tribute to her home country, Puerto Rico.
Best of the Blogs: Master Harold, The Watsons, Mamma Mia!, The Open, Two Ladies &…
In our continuing series, our editor Lisa Martland picks out some of her Top Picks from the last week of theatre (to 6 October 2019), ranging from Libby Purves’ childhood reminiscences associated with Master Harold and the Boys at the National to Abba-fest Mamma Mia! The Party and reviews of new plays The Open, Two Ladies, The Watsons and more. Enjoy.
‘Important & unmissable production’: TROJAN HORSE – Touring ★★★★★
The Leeds Playhouse has opened its doors following an impressive renovation and Trojan Horse is the first production to be hosted.
NEWS: RSC’s summer season 2020 features Miles Jupp debut & programme of European texts
The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced its schedule for summer 2020, a season of Shakespeare plays exploring separation, loss and deep bonds of family.