A year ago, on 16 March 2020, theatres across the country closed their doors due to the pandemic. Survey results collected by the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre from across the theatre sector paint a picture of an industry that has struggled to survive the past 12 months and faced huge financial strain – but remains resilient and adaptable.
There’s nothing like it: TV dips into theatrical friendships from Staged to Dames
I’ve just gorged on the second series of Staged, the blissful second series of the actors-in-lockdown zoom show, directed and co-written by Simon Evans, with Michael Sheen and David Tennant playing (versions of) themselves.
‘It has been a bit like the Wild West’: Recognising those pioneers extending the digital frontier
While Matthew Warchus at the other end of the Cut from the Young Vic, may have the Old Vic that he presides over (without any subsidy) dark, too, actually the theatre has been in use regularly and has continued to produce throughout the pandemic, with its “In Camera” broadcasts of live performances that have been staged in its empty auditorium.
‘I remained unsurprised & unmoved’: When We Have Sufficiently Tortured Each Other – National Theatre
Despite committed performances by Blanchett and Dillane, there is something cold and mechanical to what is going on in When We Have Sufficiently Tortured Each Other at the National Theatre.
‘Intriguing but strangely disconnected’: When We Have Sufficiently Tortured Each Other – National Theatre
The publicity for Martin Crimp’s new play, gleefully stoked by the National Theatre, has been all about Cate Blanchett and ‘bondage’ scenes
‘Dazzlingly complex & immensely provocative piece of new writing’: When We Have Sufficiently Tortured Each Other – National Theatre
Martin Crimp’s new play, When We Have Sufficiently Tortured Each Other at the National Theatre, has been hyped because of its star, Cate Blanchett, and rightly so: it’s a five-star show.
‘Odd yet gripping production’: When We Have Sufficiently Tortured Each Other – National Theatre ★★★
While it may not necessarily live up to expectations, When We Have Sufficiently Tortured Each Other is a dark humoured, somewhat odd yet gripping production, and worth a watch for the performances alone. But if it’s the shock value you’re after, there is nothing here that you wouldn’t see on post-watershed television.
‘There’s something to enjoy in its batshit relentlessness’: When We Have Sufficiently Tortured Each Other – National Theatre
Strong performances from Cate Blanchett and Stephen Dillane make the challenging When We Have Sufficiently Tortured Each Other worth the effort at the National Theatre.
Mark Shenton previews what theatre he is looking forward to in 2019: From London to Broadway
We’ve said goodbye to 2018 — including a look back at some of the year’s highlights and lowlights. Now it’s time to look ahead to 2019 — and offer my picks of the year so far announced.
Is it time for theatres to reward loyal ticket buyers and how should it be done?
When tickets went on sale for the concluding play in Jamie Lloyd’s Pinter at the Pinter season – Betrayal starring Tom Hiddleston – those who had already booked tickets for other, arguably less commercial plays, were given 24-hours priority booking.
Mark Shenton views the week of news, openings & upcoming awards… in the West End, Broadway & beyond
Mark Shenton views the week of news, openings & upcoming awards… in the West End, Broadway & beyond.
NEWS: National Theatre’s new season features Andrea Levy’s Small Island, Caryl Churchill’s Top Girls & Lenny Henry as Richard Pryor
Rufus Norris has unveiled the National Theatre’s plans for 2019 and beyond. Highlights include the world premiere of Small Island adapted by Helen Edmundson from Andrea Levy’s novel, directed by Rufus Norris.
NEWS: Cate Blanchett will make her National Theatre debut opposite Stephen Dillane in new Martin Crimp play in January 2019
Cate Blanchett and Stephen Dillane will perform in the world premiere of Martin Crimp’s play When We Have Sufficiently Tortured Each Other (Twelve Variations On Samuel Richardson’s Pamela), directed by Katie Mitchell at the National Theatre in January 2019.
NEWS: Cate Blanchett, Lin-Manuel Miranda & Anna Wintour co-host Evening Standard Awards on 3 Dec
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Cate Blanchett, former American Vogue editor Anna Wintour and Phoebe Waller-Bridge will help host this year’s Evening Standard Theatre Awards on 3 December.
In Full: 2017 Tony Award nominations
Next month, the annual Tony Awards celebrate Broadway’s best of the best. Notable nominations include Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 and Groundhog Day, both up for several awards.
NEWS ROUND-UP: Cate Blanchett to star in Ivo van Hove’s All About Eve, Ciaran Hinds cast in new Bob Dylan musical
I have to admit that I wasn’t much enamoured by the prospect of a Bob Dylan musical but when I stopped to think about it, I don’t know why I was worried because I’ve long been of the opinion that Dylan’s songs are best sung by other people.