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.
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: 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.
‘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.
‘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.
FEATURED SHOW: They’ve created a monster hit – check out the reviews for Frankenstein
“Superb”, “modern and thrilling” and “pulls out every available stop” – take a look at what audiences and critics have said about Rona Munro’s new adaptation of Frankenstein, then head to the Belgrade Theatre to catch it this week before it heads back off on tour. Book now!
‘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.
‘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.
‘The show retains its heart wherever it goes’: Calendar Girls The Musical – Touring ★★★★
Calendar Girls The Musical is a totally British feel-good show which warms the heart, uplifts and entertains. It has something for everyone and is a beautiful portrayal of women supporting women.
‘It holds you fast’: THE NIGHT WATCH – Touring ★★★★
While the seemingly desultory opening scenes may baffle a few strangers to the book, this stage adaptation of The Night Watch grows in clarity and drama to become a gripping piece of theatre, a testament.
NEWS: RSC concludes its partnership with BP
The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced its decision to conclude its partnership with BP at the end of this year. BP have supported the RSC’s £5 ticket scheme for 16 to 25 year olds since 2013. Talking about the decision, RSC artistic director Gregory Doran and executive director Catherine Mallyon said: “Over many months we have listened to a wide and varied range of voices …
‘Delightful performance’: THE BOY WHO CRIED WOLF – Touring ★★★★
The Boy Who Cried Wolf, written by Mike Kenny with stage manager Kirsty Smith, sees York Theatre Royal working with Tutti Frutti once again, and they manage to put together a delight of storytelling, music, dance and acting to re-tell this well known classic tale.
FIRST LOOK: Celebrate the start of Halloween season with stunning production images from Frankenstein
Gothic, leafless trees, towering buildings, fork lightning; the design of Rona Munro’s Frankenstein is an Halloween treat full of theatrical tricks. Take a look at these fantastic production photographs, then book your tickets!