Cameron Mackintosh has announced casting for Boublil and Schönberg’s Les Misérables at the newly restored Sondheim Theatre, when the theatre re-opens on 18 December 2019 following its major renovation.
‘Dickens, 175 years on, has done it again’: A CHRISTMAS CAROL – Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford upon Avon ★★★★
David Edgar’s adaptation of A Christmas Carol, directed as last year by Rachel Kavanaugh, gives the old story of ghosts and redemption deft additions and expanded scenes
‘Almost all unalloyed pleasure’: TWELFTH NIGHT – Young Vic
Is there such a thing as sheer theatrical joy? Yes, there is, and it comes from an unexpected source: Kwame Kwei-Armah and Shaina Taub’s musical adaptation of Twelfth Night at the Young Vic.
NEWS: Full cast announced for the West End transfer of Young Vic & Good Chance Theatre’s The Jungle
The full cast has been announced for the West End transfer of Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson’s The Jungle, a National Theatre and Young Vic co-production with Good Chance Theatre, directed by Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL – Stratford-upon-Avon (RSC) ★★★★
This year’s seasonal offering in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre is a grand affair as David Edgar (it was he who famously adapted Dickens’ Nicholas Nickleby for the company back in 1980) tackles A Christmas Carol.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL – Stratford-upon-Avon (RSC) ★★★★
‘Tis the season to remember those less fortunate than ourselves and David Edgar’s stirring new adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, for the Royal Shakespeare Company, doesn’t stint on political rhetoric.
Sherman album series: Mary Poppins (2005 Original London Cast Recording)
As A Spoonful of Sherman, a tribute to three generations of Sherman family music, including childhood classics by the Sherman Brothers, continues Live at Zedel until 20 August 2017, Ian Foster reviews related albums.
HALF A SIXPENCE – West End
It was no surprise to discover that Half A Sixpence would be transferring into the West End – its run at Chichester Festival Theatre was a huge success and with Cameron Mackintosh on producing duties, it was always going to be a case of when rather than if. It’s a slow-burner of a show, the second act really is the business thanks to Andrew Wright’s choreography.
SHREK – Touring
As the Shrek UK tour draws to a close, it was fun to catch up with the show’s final week at Manchester’s Lowry Theatre. Long long ago, before Shrek became a stage musical, it was an award winning DreamWorks movie that stole the hearts of adults and children alike. Upon its release in 2001, Shrek won the first ever Academy award for Best Animated Feature, as well as receiving countless nominations at the BAFTAs and Golden Globes.
SHREK THE MUSICAL – Touring
★★★★ There are enough inventive designs and well-honed performances about Shrek the Musical to ensure that it hits the spot.
SHREK – Touring
Take a blockbuster movie, add a bunch of songs and some sparkly costumes and stick it on a stage… A tried and tested recipe for success and one that seems to be a guarantee of success. It certainly didn’t hurt Shrek when that landed in the West End and tickets flew out of the box office. Now the show is heading out on tour around the UK and we made our way to the Mayflower to check it out.
SHREK THE MUSICAL – Touring
If like me you enjoyed the films of Shrek and saw it in the West End, then you to will enjoy this.
It has everything, colourful costumes and sets. Humour, a few songs and more humour. This ogre has a big heart and Dean Chisnall continues to play it perfectly.