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.
NEWS: Stage adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s Private Peaceful transfers to the West End
The BoxLess Theatre production of Simon Reade’s adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s Private Peaceful will be the first new production to be staged indoors in London’s West End since the Government closed theatres in March. Part of Nimax Theatres’ plans to reopen its theatres, the show’s two-week season at the Garrick Theatre will run from 7 to 22 November 2020.
NEWS: Panto returns to the West End as Garrick Theatre reopens in December
Double Olivier nominees (and former CBBC TV presenters) Dan and Jeff return for a 10th anniversary festive season of Potted Panto, running for a festive season at London’s Garrick Theatre from 5 December 2020 to 10 January 2021 (press night is 6 December).
Best of the Blogs: The Mates give their verdicts on Noises Off, Translations, [Blank], The Girl Who Fell, Tickle The Musical & more
In our continuing series, our editor Lisa Martland picks out some of her Top Picks from the last week of theatre (to 20 October 2019), ranging from Olivia Mitchell’s thigh-slapping joy on seeing Noises Off to Libby Purves’ plea that we listen to the story being told in [Blank] at the Donmar Warehouse.
‘Complete laugh-out-loud escapism’: NOISES OFF – West End ★★★★
With a heart of gold reminder about professionalism in the arts, Noises Off is a must see production which will surely continue to have audiences gasping for air and slapping their thighs.
NEWS: Lyric Hammersmith production of Noises Off heads to the West End
The Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith production of Michael Frayn’s classic farce about a farce, Noises Off will return to the West End for the fourth time as it heads to the Garrick Theatre from 27 September 2019 to 4 January 2020.
‘Holds a withering mirror to Hollywood’s vile & vacuous culture’: BITTER WHEAT – West End ★★★★
There may be a whiff of sensationalised cliché to this world premiere of Bitter Wheat, but no matter. Mamet’s subject is timely and relevant and Malkovich’s performance is electrifying.
‘A classic of lazy playwriting’: BITTER WHEAT – West End
Bitter Wheat, the most controversial play of the year, is almost certainly also going to be the worst.
‘You can’t help feeling Mamet’s real joy is in the gags’: BITTER WHEAT – West End ★★★
It could be said that Bitter Wheat lifts the lid on the exploitation of power in the film industry, but it eaves an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Perhaps that was also part of David Mamet’s intention.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: Bitter Wheat at the Garrick Theatre
Love London Love Culture rounds up the reviews for David Mamet’s latest play Bitter Wheat starring John Malkovich.
‘Has nothing to say & misses the point’: BITTER WHEAT – West End
Bitter Wheat is not only frustratingly irresponsible in its treatment of the events that led to the #MeToo movement, it is also a poorly constructed drama.
What were Emma Clarendon’s most popular posts in March?
Here are a few reads from Emma Clarendon’s Love London Love Culture that proved particularly popular in March.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: Rip it Up at the Garrick Theatre
Bringing the 1960s to life, find out what critics made of Rip it Up, now playing at the Garrick Theatre.