It is the original postwar Germany and Austria into which Stuart Paterson’s book for new musical Identical takes us in a fresh, bouncy Stiles and Drewe musical. Auditions of hundred pairs of identical twins found three: on press night Eden and Emme Patrick proved faultless in a complicated, sometimes emotionally intense performance, first disliking one another on sight and then rapturously realising their sisterhood; they are playfully natural and assured, rarely offstage for long
‘Exudes sweetness & glitter’: SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS – Richmond Theatre ★★★★
At Snow White at Richmond Theatre the stars are big and – evident from the multitude of advertising and glitzy theatrical splendour – so is the budget.
‘This is a show of quality’: THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW – Touring – King’s Theatre, Glasgow
There are few shows that pack more entertainment into two hours, and few that stand up to repeat viewing like Rocky Horror. Hands-down one of the best musicals of all time and with this first-rate cast, it would be a crime to miss it.
‘Lionel Bart’s diverse score includes sweet & rueful ballads’: MAGGIE MAY – Finborough Theatre ★★★
The London Fringe has been diligent in ploughing back catalogue after back catalogue for ‘forgotten’ musicals, and Maggie May has not been seen in London for 55 years.
‘A timely revival of a forgotten classic’: MAGGIE MAY – Finborough Theatre ★★★★
Lionel Bart and Alun Owen’s musical Maggie May first opened in London 55 years ago, when it made its debut at the Adelphi Theatre in September 1964 – despite its success it hasn’t been seen since.
‘Shimmers with a sense of real quality’: AN OFFICER & A GENTLEMAN – Touring
An Officer and a Gentleman, beginning its national tour at Curve Leicester, is a show that is unashamedly feel-good, even through its darker moments, and just waiting to sweep you off your feet.
CINDERELLA – Edinburgh ★★★★
This year’s King’s pantomime – Cinderella – is a more plot-driven and less reliant on effects than many of recent years. It also lacks some of the more interactive elements of panto, but for sheer fun and laughter it scores very highly indeed.