Here’s a selection of the latest updates from My Theatre Mates co-founders Mark Shenton and Terri Paddock, plus other contributors. To filter by author, date or category, fiddle with the controls to the right. You can also search all of our content by keyword using the universal search in the top right of the site’s navigation bar above.
‘I’d like to see it become an integral part of people’s lives’: In praise of the Broadway Theatre, Catford
18th July 2018
The Broadway Theatre, Catford is a fabulous building and I’d like to see it become an integral part of people’s lives as it was for me when I was a Lewisham child.Read more...
Camden Fringe Featured Show: New theatre company Sycorax debuts with one-woman BLUE
18th July 2018
What kind of show takes you to the moon with a lobster named Spock? The answer is BLUE, a one-woman abstract fairy tale created by new theatre company Sycorax Collective that explores mental health and the importance of reaching out when you're not okay..Read more...
‘Keeps tradition alive but also innovates’: CIRCUS SALLAI – Touring
18th July 2018
This is a circus that is keen to impress, to keep tradition alive but also to innovate and exceed expectations. I would recommend catching Circus Sallai where you can.Read more...
‘Takes itself far too seriously’: KNIGHTS OF THE ROSE – Arts Theatre
18th July 2018
A Knight’s Tale takes itself far too seriously, missing a camp comedy open goal in its attempt to be intelligent – it’s well sung, but everything else leaves a lot to be desired.Read more...
‘In Sarah Louise Hughes, the director has unearthed a gem’: THE RISE & FALL OF LITTLE VOICE – Cirencester ★★★
18th July 2018
The strengths of The Rise & Fall of Little Voice will always flow from the young woman playing LV and in Sarah Louise Hughes, director Michael Strassen has unearthed a gem.Read more...
‘For anyone who was a fan of Ken Campbell’s work, this is must-see’: PIGSPURT’S DAUGHTER – Touring
18th July 2018
Pigspurt’s Daughter is a kaleidoscopic, one-woman show in which Daisy Campbell takes the audience on a journey through the life of her father, the theatre legend Ken Campbell.Read more...
’One of the most daring things I’ve ever seen on stage’: JELLYFISH – Bush Theatre
18th July 2018
Almost impossibly tender and true, Ben Weatherill’s Jellyfish is a minor-key masterpiece at the Bush Theatre.Read more...
‘It’s intriguing as a curiosity’: BUT IT STILL GOES ON – Finborough Theatre
18th July 2018
The Finborough specialises in producing neglected plays and they don’t get more neglected than Robert Graves’ But It Still Goes On: written in 1929 but never previously performed.Read more...
‘Will keep you guessing to the end… and beyond’: LOCKED UP – Tristan Bates Theatre
18th July 2018
Locked Up, a tense two-hander, is both the professional London debut of writer Heather Simpkin and the first full-length play from emerging theatre company Bear in the Air Productions.Read more...
NEWS: Jermyn Street features world & European premieres in autumn Rebels season
18th July 2018
Following his hugely successful first year as artistic director, Tom Littler is marking the start of his second year at the helm with a season of new work celebrating rebellious spirits.Read more...
‘A sharply observant & compelling play’: END OF THE PIER – Park Theatre ★★★★
18th July 2018
Overall, End of the Pier is a sharply observant play that is transformed into a compelling production that makes the audience sit up and pay attention.Read more...
‘It means very well… but it’s a heavy evening’: A MONSTER CALLS – Old Vic ★★★
18th July 2018
A Monster Calls is billed for ten years old or more, and its protagonist is a boy of 13. But be warned: this Old Vic young adult summer special is no cosy Lorax.Read more...
‘Discovering what makes these characters tick’: OTHER PEOPLE’S TEETH – White Bear Theatre ★★★★
17th July 2018
Directed by Jess Williams and Sareen, Other People’s Teeth addresses the notion of being paid to hurt and kill people, yet still holding down a meaningful relationship. Read more...
‘It’s about building a supportive community for women & parents in the opera world’: Meet SWAP’ra co-founder Anna Patalong
17th July 2018
SWAP’ra is a charitable organisation founded by a group of artists working in the opera industry. The group has come together as a team of volunteers to build a supportive community to effect positive change for women and parents in opera.Read more...
‘Thought-provoking, provocative & very funny’: END OF THE PIER – Park Theatre ★★★★★
17th July 2018
In these ultra-sensitive, snowflake times, writing, and performing, comedy is fraught with danger. One wrong word or gag and a once glittering career can lay in tatters. TV and radio writer, Danny Robins, who has performed stand-up himself, knows what it’s like to be.Read more...
INTERVIEW: Spotlight On… The Everywhere Bear illustrator Rebecca Cobb
17th July 2018
The illustrator Rebecca Cobb spoke to LLLC’s Emma Clarendon about collaborating with Julia Donaldson and bringing The Everywhere Bear to the Polka Theatre. Read more...
Text of the Day: One for Sorrow
17th July 2018
Random and topical thoughts and quotes gathered by My Theatre Mates contributor Aleks Sierz, first published on www.sierz.co.uk.Read more...
‘Can’t wait to see what the company does next’: FLESH & BONE – Soho Theatre
17th July 2018
Flesh and Bone is an affectionate, entertaining and unapologetically irreverent tribute to a community that’s much more than a caricature, and has plenty to say for itself if only anybody would listen. Read more...
‘As beguiling as it is macabre’: IT HAPPENED IN KEY WEST – Charing Cross Theatre ★★★
17th July 2018
It Happened In Key West takes risks which more often than not, pay off. As beguiling as it is macabre, this morbid musical comedy needs to be seen to be believed.Read more...
NEWS: Rebecca McKinnis & Lee Ross are cast in West End’s Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
17th July 2018
The producers of the award-winning Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at the Apollo Theatre have announced that this week Rebecca McKinnis (Mamma Mia!, We Will Rock You) is stepping into the role of Margaret New and Lee Ross (EastEnders) is joining the cast to play.Read more...