Later this month the Big Telly Theatre Company’s atmospheric digital production of Macbeth will open at the 58th edition of the Belfast International Arts Festival (BIAF), Ireland’s leading contemporary international arts festival. I caught up with the theatre company’s founder Zoe Seaton to find out more.
‘Some things haven’t changed at all’: ROSE – Hope Mill Theatre (Online review) ★★★★★
With a thought-provoking script at its heart and a flawless performance from Maureen Lipman, Rose is an important and powerful production which proves essential viewing.
‘Audiences can expect a very eclectic line-up of artists’: James Scotland explains how The Sunday Art Club festival celebrates diversity
James Scotland, co-curator of The Sunday Art Club, chats about The Sunday Art Club, a free outdoor spectacular celebrating diversity in the arts.
‘A riot from start to finish’: Showstopper! The (Socially Distanced) Improvised Musical (Online review) ★★★★★
With energetic performances, jokes aplenty and clever songs that wouldn’t sound out of place in the West End, Showstopper! The (Socially Distanced) Improvised Musical was a riot from start to finish.
‘Creative activities are really important in helping kids release their emotions’: Golden Toad Theatre’s Caroline Wigmore & Jen Green on their latest project
Golden Toad Theatre’s Errol’s Garden project is creating opportunities for children to continue to engage with theatre and the arts from the safety of their homes, say co-directors Caroline Wigmore and Jen Green.
‘I hope audiences leave feeling inspired to connect, to create & to change’: Abigail Sewell directs Burn Bright’s Better In Person
Following the success of Burn Bright’s digitally commissioned pilot, Better In Person (led by Tori Allen-Martin and Sarah Henley) is continuing the series with the next instalment which will amplify Black women’s voices and stories. I spoke with Better…
‘A brand new way to experience live musical theatre’: Shanay Holmes tells more about West End Musical Drive-In
This summer the West End Musical Drive-In brings West End superstars direct to your cars. Shanay Holmes, one half of the creative team making this event possible, explains more.
‘A fly on the wall with your favourite musical theatre performers’: Sunday in the Club with Oscar – H CLUB ★★★★ (Online review)
Part informal chat, part performance, this series of bi-weekly Sunday evening sessions is designed to support creatives in the entertainment industry during this strange and challenging time.
‘It captured all of the cheesy elements of the real thing’: The Showstoppers’ Alternative Eurovision Song Contest
During a 90-minute livestream, viewers were treated to some iconic performances from around the world in isolation.
‘We wanted to create opportunities to keep emerging playwrights engaged & positive’: HighTide’s Suba Das on their Lighthouse Programme during lockdown
‘Over 150 artists and participants have engaged so far, and we’ve raised £17,000 in support for these projects from our friends, members and supporters.’
‘The production uses the Zoom platform to great effect’: A SEPARATE PEACE – The Remote Read (Online review)
Since the COVID-19 lockdown was introduced back in March, many of us have turned to social networking apps like Skype and Zoom to stay in touch with loved ones. And now theatres and production companies are getting in on the act too, broadcasting shows…
‘An imaginative & enjoyable show for these extraordinary times’: THE TEMPEST – Creation Theatre (Online review)
There’s even a cute section where viewers are encouraged to show off their pets. It’s these moments in particular which bring a smile to your face.
‘A beautiful & moving tale of loss & love’: ONCE – Touring ★★★★
Once is not just your average love story. It’s a charming production with a touching tale and exquisite music that’s sure to capture your heart – it’s guaranteed to be a show you’ll want to see more than once.
‘People can expect some killer writing’: Anthony Cozens tells more about Graceland at the Old Red Lion Theatre
Actor Anthony Cozens is appearing in the dark comic play by the critically acclaimed writer Max Saunders-Singer which comes to the Old Red Lion Theatre next month in a triple bill alongside Simon Stephens’ Nuclear War and the harrowing Buried.
‘A heart-warming story with bags of charm’: TIME & TIDE – Park Theatre
On the whole Time and Tide is a heart-warming story with bags of charm. With a great script full of laughs, well-rounded characters and brilliant acting, it’s certainly worth a watch.
‘Interesting & topical play’: FOR THE SAKE OF ARGUMENT – Bridewell Theatre
For the Sake of Argument at Bridewell Theatre is certainly a thought-provoking production with bags of potential.
‘It’s taught me to be brave’: Katie Arnstein brings her play Sticky Door to the VAULT Festival
Katie Arnstein is an award-winning writer and performer. Her latest play, Stick Door, the final part of her It’s a Girl! trilogy, will be performed at the VAULT Festival next month. I caught up with Katie to find out more.
‘A mesmerising production’: THE OCEAN AT THE END OF THE LANE – National Theatre ★★★★★
The stage adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s 2013 novel The Ocean at the End of the Lane opens at the National Theatre and looks set to be a hit.
‘Warm & entertaining production’: THE SNOW QUEEN – Park Theatre ★★★★
While the theatre world is currently excited about the casting of Elsa in Frozen the musical in London next year, the Park Theatre is celebrating the original Snow Queen with its Christmas production.
‘Think stand-up comedy meets cabaret meets theatre’: Amanda Broomell brings Mandy Picks a Husband to the Canal Cafe
Mandy Picks a Husband, an autobiographical show written by and starring Amanda Broomell, continues at London’s Canal Cafe Theatre until 8 December 2019.