I, Malvolio is Tim Crouch’s retelling of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night through the eyes of the blighted and picked-upon puritan, Malvolio. It’s the fourth time Crouch has written such an adaptation, which he hopes will “unlock Shakespeare for young audiences”.
From stage to sofa: A rundown of digital theatre available for families
In this article, we’ll be rounding up everything that’s available for families to live-stream to their living room.
In need of love & positivity? Here’s a selection of musical songs to listen during self-isolation
With everything going on at the moment, I thought one thing that everyone could do with is some positive and uplifting songs.
Going viral? All the world’s a stage. And none of us are on it
The reality of course is its no-one’s fault. You cannot live your life preparing for a global pandemic to occur, although maybe we should rethink our position on that.
NEWS: Online videos of Original Theatre Company’s The Habit of Art and The Croft to be released
In light of the closure of theatres across the UK due to COVID-19, the Original Theatre Company’s productions of Alan Bennett’s The Habit Of Art and Ali Milles’ The Croft, both of which were touring the UK, will now each have an online launch performance.
NEWS: The Habit of Art starring Matthew Kelly will be filmed in a closed performance for download
In light of the most recent government advice due to COVID-19, The Original Theatre Company’s production of Alan Bennett’s The Habit of Art, which was due to open at Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne on 18 March 2020, will now perform a closed filmed performance on the same day 2pm.
NEWS: Coronavirus pandemic – An update on theatre closures in the West End & across the country
My Theatre Mates have been collecting official announcements of theatre closures up and down the country in the Twitter thread below and will continue to add updates as they come in.
Text of the Day: I Think We Are Alone
Random and topical thoughts and quotes gathered by My Theatre Mates contributor Aleks Sierz, first published on www.sierz.co.uk.
‘Tackles very real issues faced by young people today’: CRONGTON KNIGHTS – Touring ★★★★★
Crongton Knights is a completely unique performance in both the storyline and the atmospheric use of sound.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: Back to the Future at Manchester Opera House
The reviews are in for the world premiere of this new musical based on the hit film Back to the Future.
‘Does exactly what it says on the tin’: CIRQUE BERSERK – Touring ★★★
Newbury-based circus company Cirque Berserk! appears at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre as part of its 2020 tour. The company brands itself as ‘Real Circus made for Theatre’ and it does exactly what it says on the tin.
‘Gives its audience a complete picture of Forrester’s life’: THE WATERS OF LIVERPOOL – Touring ★★★★
This adaptation of Helen Forrester’s By The Waters of Liverpool by Rob Fennah gives its audience a complete picture of Forrester’s life.
‘Shows no signs of slowing down’: THE MOUSETRAP – Touring
Now in its 68th year in the West End, The Mousetrap is also touring and shows no signs of slowing down. And whilst the play is more than a bit of a warhorse, it has become a staple of British theatre.
‘Acting is just superb throughout’: KITE RUNNER – Touring ★★★★
Kite Runner is a heart-gripping, compelling play with so much emotion, love, hurt, loyalty, disappointment pride and anger as well as forgiveness.
FEATURED SHOW: ★★★★★ reviews are in for ‘painfully relevant’ & ‘life-affirming’ Drip Drip Drip
Pipeline Theatre’s “love letter to the NHS” – and, boy, does it deserve our love now more than ever – has won over London critics just as it did in Edinburgh around the country. We’ve rounded up review highlights – and audience reactions.
New post-show Q&A: Catch The Kite Runner on tour with Terri at Bromley’s Churchill Theatre
After two West End seasons, The Kite Runner, an unforgettable theatrical tour de force based on Khaled Hosseini’s best-selling novel, embarks on a new UK tour. I catch up with the cast at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley.
FEATURED SHOW: Critics, celebs & audiences love feelgood hit comedy Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em
Whether you grew up with the small screen original or not, critics, celebrities and audiences agree: you’ll have a laugh with Joe Pasquale’s Frank Spencer and this feelgood stage version of Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em. We’ve rounded up review highlights, plus celebrity quotes and audience reactions.
‘A masterly exercise in exploring the grey’: DRIP DRIP DRIP – Pleasance Theatre ★★★★★
At a time when headlines reduce the debate around racism to good or bad, black or white, Drip Drip Drip is a masterly exercise in exploring the grey… It’s theatre at its best.
NEWS: Hit gig economy-skewering play Empty in Angel returns to the stage with London / Brighton tour
Following an acclaimed run at the White Bear Theatre late in 2019, Empty in Angel returns to the stage this spring, touring to London’s Etcetera Theatre and Old Red Lion Theatre before heading to the south coast for the Brighton Fringe Festival. Book your tickets now!
‘Many of us are disturbed & distressed about the state of the world’: Actor Lydia Bakelmun on her role in Drip Drip Drip
Following its post-Brexit Day tour, Theatre Pipeline’s Drip Drip Drip has transferred to London’s Pleasance, where it runs until 21 March 2020. We caught up with cast member Lydia Bakelmum about joining the debate on the NHS, immigration and xenophobia. Time to get booking!