Panto, as most British traditions, is a deeply weird thing but entertains many families over the Christmas period.
‘Beverley Knight once again proves what a powerhouse she is’: THE DRIFTERS GIRL – West End
This new musical is filled with style, but it does feel as though more attention could have been paid to the story itself in places.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: The Drifters Girl at the West End’s Garrick Theatre
On LoveLondonLoveCulture, Emma Clarendon rounds up the reviews for the world premiere of new music industry bio-musical The Drifters Girl.
‘Each number is sensationally staged’: THE DRIFTERS’ GIRL – West End
The nostalgia musical is back in full force with crowd-pleasing easy listening stories that looks back to the 1950s and 60s for their inspiration.
‘This actor-musician staging is ingenious’: THE LAST FIVE YEARS – West End
There’s a line in The Last Five Years, Jason Robert Brown’s semi-autobiographical musical two-hander about a relationship breakdown, that gets me every time: “I will not lose because you cannot win.”
‘Filled with hope, joy & romance’: THE LAST FIVE YEARS — West End ★★★★
Jonathan O’Boyle’s production is wonderfully poignant and intimate experience, with detailed performances from both Oli Higginson and Molly Lynch.
‘There’s always something new to discover’: Molly Lynch & Oli Higginson bring The Last 5 Years to the West End
Molly Lynch & Oli Higginson chatted to Love London Love Culture about bringing Jason Robert Brown’s musical to the West End’s Garrick Theatre.
NEWS: West End showcase will feature 15 up & coming musical theatre writers
A concert to celebrate the Chamber Musical Project will take place on 4 October 2021 at London’s Garrick Theatre. The Chamber Musical Sessions concert will invite audiences to join the selected 15 writing teams from across the UK to hear an array of new songs from the chamber musicals that they are writing.
‘Great depth & range emotionally’: I COULD USE A DRINK – Garrick Theatre ★★★★
Drew Gasparani’s song cycle I Could Use a Drink at the Garrick Theatre has some genuinely lovely songs, but seems to lose its way slightly in the second act.
‘Joyous & vital’: TUCK SHOP WEST END – Garrick Theatre ★★★★★
Tuck Shop West End is a two week takeover of the Garrick Theatre showcasing drag and queer performers. Joe Black is a Brighton-based cabaret and drag performer, most recently seen worldwide on the stage of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK being shouted at for wearing an H&M dress.
‘Delightfully funny & sharp’: MAGGIE & TED – Garrick Theatre ★★★★
The charmingly funny play Maggie and Ted goes behind the feud between Margaret Thatcher and Edward Heath – but can feel slightly rushed in places.
‘Perfectly streamlined in terms of comic timing’: DEATH DROP – Garrick Theatre ★★★★
Death Drop, a contemporary and somewhat naughty tribute to the world of murder mystery created by Agatha Christie, is back to offer some much-needed laughs.
What productions Love London Love Culture is looking forward to in 2021
Emma Clarendon selects the shows that she is most looking forward to catching in 2021.
‘Incredibly imaginative & energetic’: POTTED PANTO (Online review) ★★★★
With so many pantomimes on offer at this time of year it can be tough to choose which one to watch. Thankfully Potted Panto has come to the rescue with a show which takes you through seven pantomimes in just 70 minutes.
‘About as subtle as a sledgehammer, but it’s a lot more fun’: DEATH DROP – Garrick Theatre ★★★★
Situated at some bespangled junction between a full-on drag show, traditional panto and the hoary old murder mysteries Ms Christie specialised in, Death Drop is about as subtle as a sledgehammer. But it’s a lot more fun.
‘The atmosphere was buzzing’: SHOWSTOPPER! THE IMPROVISED MUSICAL – Garrick Theatre
The Showstopper gang haves had a busy time of it in lockdown (including their Alternative Eurovision and an online musical improv) and now they are back for a residency at the Garrick Theatre on Monday nights.
‘Welcome home Dan & Jeff’: POTTED PANTO – Garrick Theatre ★★★★
They’re at it again. And in this dour year, crowned with the financially reckless renaissance of West End theatre, Dan and Jeff – Daniel Clarkson and Jeff Turner – are welcome home to the daytime West End with Potted Panto.
Love London Love Culture’s Theatre Picks for December
Love London Love Culture offers a guide to some of the shows set to open in London next month.
‘There is a real sense of us paving a way to bring theatre back’: James Demaine on performing in the West End transfer of Private Peaceful
Emma Clarendon chatted to actor James Demaine about bringing the Barn Theatre production of Michael Morpurgo’s story Private Peaceful to the West End.
NEWS: Courtney Act and Monét X Change will star in Death Drop at the Garrick Theatre
Brand new comedy murder mystery Death Drop will open at London’s Garrick Theatre from 3-10 December 2020 starring RuPaul’s Drag Race superstars Courtney Act and Monét X Change, along with a full drag cast.