Regular readers will know that my name is Mark and I’m an addict — a theatre addict — and much else; if you have an addictive personality, you addict to anything that makes you feel different — sex, sugar, coffee, and in my case, theatre, too.
NEWS: Original 2-part West End production of Harry Potter & the Cursed Child resumes in October 2021
The original two-part multi-award-winning production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will resume performances at London’s Palace Theatre on 14 October 2021. After over a year and a half of shutdown due to the pandemic, rehearsals for the West End production will begin this August.
West End shows have a fight on their hands post ’Freedom Day’
Social distancing restrictions may be about to be lifted, but can the West End survive the mass self-isolation that the current virus surge will require?
Mark Shenton offers a bittersweet celebration of his Top Ten Favourite West End Theatres
My latest ShenTens is particularly bittersweet, as we can’t actually go to any at the moment: my favourite West End theatres.
NEWS: Nimax Theatres will open all 6 West End theatres in sequence from October 2020 with social distancing
Nimax Theatres will open all six West End theatres in sequence from 22 October 2020 with social distancing under Covid-19 secure government guidelines. The special season will beginning at the Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue with This is Going to Hurt, written and performed by ex-NHS doctor Adam Kay.
‘I suppose Harry Potter And The Cursed Child was a ripple’: 10 questions for 10 years – Noma Dumezweni
So pleased to have one of my favourite actresses take on the 10 questions for 10 years challenge – all hail Noma Dumezweni!
The Best Theatre & Performances of 2018
Normally I do two of these – Top Ten Shows and Top Ten Performances – but this year I’m combining the two – plus some sundry other awards.
NEWS: First non-English version of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is set for Hamburg in 2020
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will celebrate its German premiere at the Mehr! Theater am Großmarkt in Hamburg in the spring of 2020.
NEWS: First non-English version of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is set for Hamburg in 2020
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will celebrate its German premiere at the Mehr! Theater am Großmarkt in Hamburg in the spring of 2020.
What to see in in 2018
Well, we’re all still here… The big red button hasn’t been pushed yet and theatre is better than ever! But what’s coming up this year?
HEATHER – Bush Theatre
Harry Potter satire burns bright — new play about storytelling examines a children’s book craze.
Round-up of news & interesting titbits: Ian wins an award, Harry Potter stars hit Broadway
I’m not one to blow my trumpet too much, honestly, but it was nice to discover that my blog has been named one of Feedspot’s Top 50 Drama Blogs and Websites.
WOYZECK – Old Vic
It’s a radical rewrite. Gone is a lot of the mystery and the poetry of the original. In their place is a contemporary, accessible version which emphasises realistic psychology (a lot of backstory detail) and social realism (a lot of childcare detail).
NEWS: Harry Potter breaks #OlivierAwards record with 11 nominations, Full shortlists
Harry Potter And The Cursed Child becomes the most nominated new play in Olivier history, with 11 nominations. Full 2017 Olivier Award shortlists announced today
NEWS: Harry Potter & Glenda Jackson scoop Critics’ Circle Awards
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was the big winner at this year’s Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards, taking home three prizes, while elsewhere Glenda Jackson, Billie Piper and Stephen Dillane all won acting prizes.
NEWS: Sonia Friedman wins third straight Producer of the Year, Full Stage Awards list
Sonia Friedman and Sheffield Theatre both achieved hat tricks at The Stage Awards, announced today, winning, respectively, Producer of the Year and Regional Theatre of the Year for a third time.
HARRY POTTER & THE CURSED CHILD 1 & 2 – West End
Allowing the original book and movie series to stand intact, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child explores the adult lives of the well-known characters, and introduces a new level of excitement to the magic of their world by having illusions performed live on stage without the luxury of CGI.
14+ shows most likely to make critics’ #theatre2016 list of lists
I rounded up my personal choices in a recent blog and have enjoyed reading and publishing the scores of Year in Review blogs (nearly 30!) from My Theatre Mates colleagues in recent weeks. As an addendum, I’ve now rounded up critics’ round-ups in other publications.
NEWS: Sonia Friedman knocks ATG co-founders off The Stage 100 top spot
Harry Potter producer Sonia Friedman tops theatre’s 2017 power list. She’s been placed number one in The Stage 100, The Stage newspaper’s definitive guide to the most influential figures working in the UK theatre and performing arts industry
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.
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