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NEWS: Winners announced in the 2016 #AlsoRecognised Awards

In Awards, Cabaret, London theatre, Musicals, Native, News, Plays, Press Releases by Press ReleasesLeave a Comment

Today’s the day! We’re delighted to announce the winners of the 2016 Also Recognised Awards. And, despite the fact that most of our categories are unique, it’s interesting to see that there are a few overlaps with another little awards, whose ceremony was held earlier this week… For more on this year’s awards, see also the full voting results, winners’ …

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Diary of a Theatre Addict: 49 shows in six weeks, getting up to date

In Features, Interviews, London theatre, Musicals, Opinion, Plays, Regional theatre, Reviews by Mark ShentonLeave a Comment

I’ve not updated my diary of a theatre addict for six weeks now — I was last here on January 31 — since when I’ve seen all of 49 shows, including outings to Newbury, Dartford, Clwyd, Manchester, Bromley and Cardiff, plus a week in New York. I’ve also taken an active part in two more shows by appearing onstage as a contestant in a theatrical re-run of Mr and Mrs with husband (so it was really Mr and Mr, we’re pictured above with host Samuel Holmes) and as part of David Bedella and Friends, his monthly chat show at the St James Studio.

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TICKETS: Mark’s Top Ten recommendations + this week’s openings (15 Feb)

In Features, London theatre, Musicals, Native, News, Opinion, Plays, Reviews by Mark ShentonLeave a Comment

A Broadway comedy and two British created musicals arrive in the West End this week – one from last summer’s season at Bath’s Theatre Royal, the other after a long stage life of touring regionally and internationally for the last eight years. Will any of them make it to next week’s Top 10 list? This week’s main openings In London: …

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NEWS: Hangmen, Bend It Like Beckham, The Father & other Critics’ Circle Award winners, tickets on sale

In Awards, London theatre, Musicals, Native, News, Plays, Press Releases by Press ReleasesLeave a Comment

Kenneth Cranham awarded Best Actor for “the role of a lifetime” Denise Gough awarded Best Actress only three years after winning Most Promising Newcomer Bend It Like Beckham wins Best Musical Robert Icke awarded Best Director for Oresteia  The Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards 2015 were hosted today, Tuesday 26th January 2016, by the Critics’ Circle Drama Section Chairman (and My Theatre …

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Critics’ Circle Award winners include Judi Dench: Are they the only ones that make sense anymore?

In Features, London theatre, Musicals, News, Opinion, Plays, Reviews by Terri PaddockLeave a Comment

Hangmen, Judi Dench, Bend It Like Beckham, Oresteia are among the winners… The annual best of lists are always a good indication of who’s likely to triumph at the Critics’ Circle Awards, which were presented this afternoon at the Delfont Room in the West End’s Prince of Wales Theatre. Understandably so as it’s critics who, by and large, draw up those lists and critics only – voting by secret, first-past-the-post ballot – who determine the Critics’ Circle Awards.

NEWS: Bend It Like Beckham closes at West End’s Phoenix, 5 Mar

In London theatre, Musicals, Native, Press Releases by Press ReleasesLeave a Comment

Bend It Like Beckham The Musical recently extended booking at the Phoenix Theatre to 5 March 2016 when the show will then play its final performance at the end of the cast’s year-long contract. Rehearsals began for the critically acclaimed production in March 2015 with a company led by Natalie Dew as Jess and Lauren Samuels as Jules. The Producers are currently finalising both national and international touring offers including a tour of India visiting multiple stadia.

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TICKETS: Today’s #MatesChoice recommendation is… Bend It Like Beckham

In London theatre, Musicals, Native, Opinion by Ticket RecommendationsLeave a Comment

A surprise hit of 2015 and also included on a number of #Theatre2015 top picks, our top recommendation in the #MatesChoice ticket series is Bend It Like Beckham. Playing to audiences at the Phoenix Theatre on Charing Cross Road in the heart of the West End and with music by Howard Goodall and lyrics by Charles Hart, this show has become a fond favourite of Mates co-founder Mark Shenton.

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Year in Review: The best of the best of #theatre2015 round-ups

In Features, Festivals, London theatre, Musicals, Opinion, Plays, Regional theatre, Reviews, Scotland, Touring by Terri PaddockLeave a Comment

After my two-week Christmas roadtrip in the US, I’m finally back at my desk and able to catch up on all the 2015 UK theatrical year round. Have you been keeping up in my absence? Fear not either way, because once again, I’ve rounded up the round-ups to give you an essential overview.

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TICKETS: Mark’s Top Ten recommendations + this week’s openings (14 Dec)

In Features, London theatre, Musicals, Native, Opinion, Plays, Regional theatre, Reviews by Mark ShentonLeave a Comment

Another week of big openings ahead means I won’t be getting to everything even if I wanted to (and right now I am still trying to take it easier than I used to), let alone playing catch-up on what I missed when I was incapacitated after my recent double rounds of surgery! 

Here are the main openings of the week to look out for, followed by my current Top 10.