Natasha Barnes really impresses with debut album Real, a shining example of contemporary pop done well.
‘Charisma & natural stage presence draws the audience in’: LIZA PULMAN SINGS BARBRA STREISAND – Touring ★★★★
Liza Pulman‘s knowledge and love for Barbra Streisand helps the night flow in an entertaining but sincere way. I don’t doubt that Streisand would be honoured to hear and see Pulman’s fantastic celebration of her music and career.
Olivia’s top 10 musicals of 2017
This year I saw 105 shows so picking my top 10 was pretty tricky!
Looking back: Caroline’s top 10 shows of 2017 > #theatre2017 #YearinReview
As another year passes it’s time to reflect on this years theatre trips. There have been some massive openings this year, a few well-deserved West End transfers and as always a few little gems Off-West End.
‘A stunning debut’: Review of Sheridan Smith’s new solo album
There are returns to the material that has justly made her reputation. Her impassioned take on Cilla Black’s swinging ‘Anyone Who Had a Heart’ remains an absolute joy and a full-throated rendition of Funny Girl’s ‘My Man’ recalls the energy of her Fanny Brice.
INTERVIEW: Spotlight On… Natasha Barnes, from Funny Girl to Tryst
Fresh from her performance as Mabel in the London Musical Theatre Orchestra’s performance of Mack and Mabel at the Hackney Empire, Natasha Barnes spoke to Love London Love Culture about her debut album and upcoming performance in Tryst.
NEWS: Natasha J Barnes swaps Funny Girl for fringe play debut in Tryst
Musical star Natasha J Barnes, who famously took over to rave reviews from Sheridan Smith in Funny Girl in the West End, will get her first starring role in the first London revival in 20 years of Karoline Leach’s 1997 thriller Tryst.
INTERVIEW: Spotlight on… Funny Girl’s Zoe Ann Bown
Zoe Ann Bown is an actor who first appeared on my radar when I saw the recent tour of The Sound of Music last year. I was delighted by Zoe’s performance, she stood out for me for all the best reasons. I was so excited to discover that she had moved on to play the role of Mrs Meeker in Funny Girl.
FUNNY GIRL – Touring
The toast of the West End has been celebrated in Wolverhampton this evening as Natasha J Barnes (Understudy for Sheridan Smith in the show last year) gave a performance to remember as Fanny Brice. It’s easy to see why audiences took Barnes to their hearts last year and long may she reign, what an incredible find she is.
FUNNY GIRL – Touring
Opening on Broadway in 1964 and more often known for the 1968 motion picture starring Barbara Streisand and Omar Sharif, Funny Girl is a biographical show based on the book of the same name written by Isobel Lennart.
FUNNY GIRL – Touring
As Barbra Streisand celebrated her 75th Birthday on the 24th April, it seemed appropriate to watch her most iconic role performed on stage by a performer who is equally as talented – Natasha J Barnes.
FUNNY GIRL – Touring
This version from Chocolate Factory Productions returns to the original – with some updates – and is now touring after an acclaimed West End run. Much of the publicity has centred on Sheridan Smith in the central role, and she surely deserves all of the praise that continues to come her way.
FUNNY GIRL – Touring
Revisiting Funny Girl, now on tour after its tumultuous (but always impressive) London run that had started at the Menier Chocolate Factory, it’s almost impossible to believe how Michael Mayer had managed to stage it in that tiny space south of the river.
FUNNY GIRL – Touring
Revisiting Funny Girl, now on tour after its tumultuous (but always impressive) London run that had started at the Menier Chocolate Factory, it’s almost impossible to believe how Michael Mayer had managed to stage it in that tiny space south of the river.
NEWS: Chris Peluso stars opposite Sheridan Smith in Funny Girl tour, Full cast announced
Full casting is announced today for the tour of Funny Girl which enjoyed critically acclaimed and record-breaking sold-out runs at the Menier Chocolate Factory and Savoy Theatre. Playing opposite Sheridan Smith is Chris Peluso as Nick Arnstein.
Year in Review: Jonathan Baz’s top shows of 2016
My favourite moments of the shows that I saw in 2016 are below and include performances from across the UK, together with the USA and also Europe. Theatre, cabaret, dance and concert performances are all included and there’s no ranking.
Year in Review: Terri Paddock’s top plays, musicals & performances of 2016
Ahead of rounding up various publications #theatre2016 highlights, I’m taking a moment to reflect on my own theatregoing year and my favourite plays, musicals, performances and other events.
NEWS: Sheridan Smith stars in Funny Girl tour after West End
Following critically acclaimed and record-breaking sold-out runs at the Menier Chocolate Factory and Savoy Theatre, Sheridan Smith will reprise her highly praised performance of Fanny Brice at selected venues for the UK tour of Funny Girl in 2017.
NEWS: Natasha J Barnes & Ria Jones nominated for Best Understudy in Wilma Awards
Nominations have been announced in the third annual West End Wilma Awards, which will be held, once again, in association with London’s Hippodrome Casino. Public voting to decide the winners opens online on 2 September 2016 at westendwilma.com
My musicals of the month: The Bodyguard, Funny Girl, Allegro, Exposure
Love a great musical? Then here is Love London Love Culture’s guide to must-see musicals of the month!