After the year we’ve all had with the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns, A Super Happy Story (About Feeling Super Sad) is sure to strike a chord with many people and it provides a voice for those experiencing mental health issues.
‘Nothing is fixed for ever, not even the Never Never’: Jo Tyabji directs Darling for Written on the Waves
Written by Tabby Lamb and starring David Hoyle, Darling is the latest instalment from the second season of 45North’s Written on the Waves audio play series and examines what it’s really like growing up inspired by the boy who never did. Kirsty Herrington caught up with director Jo Tyabji to find out more.
‘I want to make communities that might not venture to the West End feel heard’: Annice Boparai on being cast in Yasmin Joseph’s J’Ouvert
Written by Yasmin Joseph, J’Ouvert makes its West End debut at the Harold Pinter Theatre, where it is running until 3 July 2021. I caught up with actor Annice Boparai to find out more.
‘Imaginative & hugely entertaining’: The Three Musketeers… attempted by Foolhardy (Online review) ★★★★
With the news that the full reopening of theatres has been delayed until July, many of us are in need of a good laugh. Thankfully FoolHardy Productions is on hand to entertain with its latest comedy, an online production of The Three Musketeers.
‘Playful, intriguing & thrilling’: Michael Pickering features in new musical Lady Chatterley’s Lover
Michael Pickering will be starring as gamekeeper Mellors in new musical Lady Chatterley’s Lover which plays at the Shaftesbury Theatre on 18 and 19 June 2021. I caught up with Michael to find out more about his latest role.
‘They’re snappy, full of giggles, frivolity & heart’: Jordan Mifsud discusses Shaw Shorts at the Orange Tree Theatre
Jordan Mifsud is currently starring in Orange Tree Theatre’s Shaw Shorts: How He Lied to Her Husband and Overruled, two short plays by George Bernard Shaw. I caught up with Jordan to find out more about his latest roles.
‘This disturbing play is certainly timely’: A RUSSIAN DOLL – Barn Theatre, Cirencester (Online review) ★★★★
In some good news, this week the Barn Theatre in Cirencester has reopened its doors to (socially distanced) audiences for the world premiere of Cat Goscovitch’s new play, A Russian Doll, a co-production with London’s Arcola Theatre.
‘Pirates. Feminism. Burps’: Sooz Kempner tells all about new podcast series The Ballad of Anne & Mary
Sooz Kempner stars in Long Cat Media’s brand new five-part musical podcast series The Ballad of Anne & Mary, which tells the story of Anne Bonny and Mary Read, two of the most notorious pirates who ever lived. I caught up with Sooz to find out more.
‘It’s an inventive & hilarious modern adaptation of a classic’: Actor Tom Dixon stars in a new digital staging of The Importance of Being Earnest
The Lawrence Batley Theatre and The Dukes’ new digital co-production of The Importance of Being Earnest brings Oscar Wilde’s classic play up to date and transfers the action up north. I caught up with actor Tom Dixon, who plays Algy, to find out more.
‘Well worth a watch’: OUTSIDE – Orange Tree Theatre (Online review) ★★★★
Curated by the Orange Tree’s literary associate Guy Jones, Outside also comprises three short plays, this time stories with a theme of connection and hope.
‘Incredibly captivating production’: AN ELEPHANT IN THE GARDEN – Barn Theatre (Online review) ★★★★
A story which highlights the power of endurance and the the kindness of strangers, The Elephant in the Garden is a powerful one-woman show which enchants from beginning to end.
‘Incredibly strong & stylish production’: SCARAMOUCHE JONES – Ginger Quiff Media & Stream.Theatre (Online review) ★★★★★
Written by Justin Butcher, Scaramouche Jones or the Seven White Masks is the latest digital production from Ginger Quiff Media, the team behind the recent revivals of Rose and Little Wars, and tells the story of a tragic clown whose life has been shaped by misfortune.
‘Thought-provoking & topical plays with heaps of potential’: INSIDE – Orange Tree Theatre (Online review) ★★★★
Inside features three thought-provoking and topical plays with heaps of potential. With strong scripts and impressive performances, this really sets the bar high for the second show in the series, Outside, and shows that the future of theatre is looking very bright indeed.
‘The perfect tonic for these strange times’: WEST END MUSICAL DRIVE-IN (Online review)
All of the West End Musical Drive-In concerts are a joy to watch, but this particular show, with its strong line-up, great song choices and powerful performances, not to mention the enthusiasm of the performers and audience members, is one of the strongest out of the five.
‘A much-needed dose of musical theatre’: WEST END MUSICAL DRIVE-IN (Online review) ★★★★
The latest streamed offering from West End Musical Drive-In is another strong and entertaining show with a brilliant setlist and some standout performances, and is guaranteed to brighten your day.
‘There is no weak link in the cast’: GATSBY A MUSICAL – Cadogan Hall (Online review) ★★★★
Featuring great songs, a strong cast and some stunning vocals, Gatsby A Musical is a delightful and emotional show which puts a new spin on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s characters and is fully deserved of a staged performance once theatres reopen.
‘A must-watch to get your musical theatre fix’: WEST END MUSICAL DRIVE-IN – Stream.Theatre (Online review) ★★★★
The second in the West End Musical Drive-In series has launched online and is a must-watch for any fans of the hit musical Six! The show sees 11 past and present Six cast members reunite for an entertaining outdoor concert.
‘There are some magical moments’: THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE – Southwark Playhouse (Online review)
New British musical The Sorcerer’s Apprentice was due to premiere at London’s Southwark Playhouse at the start of this year, but the run had to be cancelled following the announcement of the most recent lockdown. Thankfully the show has been filmed and is now available to watch online at stream.theatre.
‘You can still savour the atmosphere’: WEST END MUSICAL DRIVE-IN – Stream.Theatre (Online review)
Featuring some amazing song choices and outstanding vocals, the live-stream of West End Musical Drive-In is just what we need right now to lift our spirits
‘Tinder meets Black Mirror in this entertaining & innovative production’: MANIMALS (Online review) ★★★★
Manimals has a lot to say, and this show is sure to strike a chord with anyone who’s ever subjected themselves to the world of online dating.