I love it when the theatre perfectly fits the show. Artists can overcome a wrong space, but there’s gleeful concord when it suits this well. The vast new hangar-like Troubadour uses all its height and industrial chic to convey New York 1899 in Newsies: fire-escapes, iron balconies, vast billboard for the Santa Fe railroad, walls all newsprint and windows and washing lines.
‘It’s pretty hard not to be won over’: NEWSIES – Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre
This London premiere of Newsies at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre has already extended bookings until next spring and, if the ecstatic – verging on hysterical – first night reaction was any indication, it’ll be opening up ticket sales for beyond then fairly soon. One would imagine this was always the intention of principal producers Runaway Entertainment (in partnership with Disney Theatrical and a few others) who have clearly spared no expense in presenting this London Newsies.
‘The energy & precision is truly mesmerising’: NEWSIES – Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre ★★★★
As temperatures soar below zero, the heat is definitely up at the Troubadour theatre in Wembley as the venue’s long awaited production of Newsies sizzles and soars.
‘Fantastically good fun’: Kathy & Stella Solve a Murder – Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Musical comedy Kathy & Stella Solve a Murder by Jon Brittain and Matthew Floyd Jones at Roundabout @ Summerhall is a hilarious caper that embraces the genre’s fans, life’s unexpected heroes and the quest to find yourself.
ALBUM REVIEW: #ZoologicalSociety
New musical #ZoologicalSociety, written by Vikki Stone and Kate Mulgrew, gets a well-timed concept album release.
‘Theatrical magic’: OKLAHOMA! – Chichester ★★★★
Jeremy Sams and his creative team have delivered theatrical magic in Oklahoma! at Chichester Festival Theatre.
‘Engaging & very enjoyable production’: OKLAHOMA! – Chichester ★★★
This year Chichester Festival Theatre is taking on Oklahoma! with their usual mix of respect for the piece and urge to find a new viewpoint on it.
Album Review: Girlfriends – London Musical Theatre Orchestra ★★★★
Musically, Girlfriends is a richly diverse score that is beautifully delivered by the London Musical Theatre Orchestra and the cast performances on this album.
Looking for some alternative festive fare? Debbie has some recommendations…
As you know, Mind the Blog is a Panto-Free Zone – but what if you want to find some alternative festive fare? Whether it’s family fun or something a little more grown-up, we have a selection of seasonal offerings (old and new) that might be of use to you.
‘Quirky, heartwarming & immensely enjoyable’: STRIKING 12 – Union Theatre ★★★★
Overall, Striking 12 is a quirky, heartwarming and immensely enjoyable production to watch, ensuring that you leave the theatre in a positive frame of mind and a smile on your face.
‘With a couple of tweaks could be a real hit’: STRIKING 12 – Union Theatre ★★★★
Now we’ve entered December, the festive shows on offer are really stepping up, with the Union Theatre’s Striking 12 providing a festive but not in-your-face Christmas 90-minute story to warm hearts and have toes tapping.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Seven of the best shows opening in December
December can be a slightly overwhelming time to pick a show to go and see – luckily Love London Love Culture has selected seven of the very best opening next month…
‘No denying the wealth of talent on offer’: GIRLFRIENDS – Bishopsgate Institute ★★★
The melodic, complex music in LMTO’s Girlfriends at the Bishopsgate Institute does provide moments of power and, if anything, this show serves as a fantastic celebration of women and the crucial roles they had in the Second World War.
‘A fun-filled night out at the theatre’: BEAUTIFUL – Touring ★★★★
The entire ensemble of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical gives fantastic performances and the show is thoroughly enjoyable. I had high expectations, all of which were met for a fun-filled night out at the theatre.
‘Join in the celebration of a cultural icon’: BEAUTIFUL – Touring ★★★★★
Carole King rightly occupies a place in the pantheon of great American songwriters and this lively production of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is a fitting tribute to her musical legacy.
“Miss this show at your peril’: BEAUTIFUL – Touring ★★★★★
Miss Beautiful at your peril, the reason it was such a success in the West End couldn’t be clearer and I for one feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to have caught this show at one of my local theatres.
‘The ensemble do the time period justice’: BEAUTIFUL – Touring ★★★
Picture the scene, Carnegie Hall 1971. Carole King played by Bronte Barbe sitting at the piano not expecting this many people to be watching her before playing a short rendition of ‘So far Away’ before rewinding the story back 14 years to wear it all began.
‘Perfectly moving, magical & sentimental’: BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL – Touring ★★★★★
Whether you think you’re a fan of Carole King or not, you’re sure to recognise many of the hits in Beautiful and leave feeling elated, with a new sense of love and appreciation for the songwriting industry.
‘Engaging to watch throughout’: BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL – Touring ❤❤❤❤❤
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical is a masterclass in singer/songwriting skills, showcased through wonderful music that really brightens up a cold winter’s evening.
BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL – Touring ★★★★★
Wasting no time in getting started, the Carole King musical opened with the protagonist (played by the talented Bronté Barbé) sitting behind a grand piano at the Carnegie Hall concert, a highlight of King’s solo singing career.
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