The theatre’s production of The Night Before Christmas is a delightful piece, full of fun and silliness, with moments of wonder and the chance for the children to interact with the cast.
‘A really good all-round family show’: OI FROG & FRIENDS! – West End & Touring
Oi Frog & Friends! is an entertaining, musical romp through many of the well-known rhymes from the original books with a witty script and songs which are upbeat, catchy and full of clever lyrics.
‘An absolute triumph’: GYPSY – Manchester ★★★★★
The Royal Exchange has built a reputation for consistently delivering knockout versions of classic musicals as an alternative to the traditional pantomime. I’m pleased to be able to say that the standard remains just as high this year – Gypsy is an absolute triumph.
‘Ria Jones’ Mama Rose is an undeniably forceful presence’: GYPSY – Manchester
Because nothing says Merry Christmas like a stage mum going off the rails! Gypsy offers a different festive treat at Manchester’s Royal Exchange.
‘Fascinating exploration of solitary lives’: WILD GOOSE DREAMS – Bath ★★★
An always fascinating piece, Wild Goose Dreams detours constantly down different alleys to tell its story and gets overwhelmed by all the work’s devices.
‘Quite an empowering production’: BAND OF GOLD – Touring ★★★★★
Kay Mellor’s Band of Gold, based on the TV series of the same name also penned by Mellor is very gritty, very northern but also very witty.
‘The performances are uniformly excellent’: WEST SIDE STORY – Leicester
Nikolai Foster and co. have wrung West Side Story for every last drop of emotion, intellect and topicality. It has been given the full blooded revival it merits and I would love to see this production have further life beyond this initial run.
‘Revels in its ridiculousness’: WE WILL ROCK YOU – Touring ★★★★
What can really elevate a show of this nature is the cast, and a remarkably talented set of performers have been assembled for this tour of We Will Rock You.
FEATURED SHOW: As it completes its tour at the Old Red Lion Theatre, check out the fantastic reviews for Theatrical Niche’s Uncle Vanya
“Uplifting” and “small in stature but big in heart” – see what reviewers have said about Theatrical Niche’s pacey, new version of Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya. Take a look at what they said, then book your tickets.
Best of the Blogs: White Christmas, An Act of God, My Brilliant Friend & more
In our continuing series, our editor Lisa Martland picks out some of her Top Picks from the last week of theatre (to 2 December 2019), ranging from The Blog Of Theatre Things’ Liz Dyer feeling festive thanks to a joyful production of White Christmas at the Dominion Theatre.
‘Electrifying dancing, beautiful singing & wonderful acting’: WEST SIDE STORY – Leicester ★★★★★
Electrifying dancing, beautiful singing and wonderful acting, if you want to treat yourself to something really special this Christmas, get a ticket for West Side Story at Curve Leicester.
‘Powerful performances’: THE ASTONISHING TIMES OF TIMOTHY CRATCHIT – Manchester ★★★★★
With powerful performances and a vibrant cast, The Astonishing Times of Timothy Cratchit creates an entertaining musical filled with laughter which is perfectly complemented by the Christmas atmosphere.
‘An absolute triumph’: WEST SIDE STORY – Leicester
No doubt about it, Nikolai Foster’s production of West Side Story for Curve Leicester is damn close to musical theatre perfection.
‘Unmissable performance from beginning to end’: THE WIZARD OF OZ – Leeds Playhouse ★★★★★
The Wizard of Oz is a celebrated and must see Christmas/winter treat for one and all. The Leeds Playhouse again has successfully delivered.
NEWS: Headlong announces Jeremy Herrin’s last season as artistic director
Headlong has announced its programme for 2020/21, the final season under current artistic director Jeremy Herrin.
‘An absolute treat for anyone who loves musical theatre’: CURTAINS – Touring & West End ★★★★
Curtains is a hilarious love letter to both the murder mystery genre and musical theatre itself, performed brilliantly by an impressively large cast in which there is not a weak link.
More apprenticeships please
If more resources are not put into more apprenticeships, it will be a great pity for both for the creative industries & the many young people who simply don’t get the opportunity to make the best of their talents.
‘Does not disappoint’: Motown the Musical – Touring ★★★★
More than a celebration of Motown, it highlighted issues such as acceptance, racism, strained relationships, acceptance and the problems faced with fame and fortune which often musicians face.
‘The main treasures are the artists’: CIRCUS 1903 – Touring ★★★★
Circus 1903 gives a unique perspective of how it would have felt to watch an American circus over 100 years ago. This is done with the help of an amazing amalgamation of set, costumes, lighting, music and the raw talent of the performers.
NEWS: Waitress closes at the West End’s Adelphi Theatre 4 July ahead of UK tour
The producers of Waitress have announced the show’s final West End extension at the Adelphi Theatre, where it will finish on 4 July 2020 ahead of a UK tour and planned London return.