Simon Woods’ debut play Hansard, about the parliamentary ruling class is timely, and amusingly preceptive, but ultimately unsatisfying.
‘I guess having two plays on the same West End street was lots of fun’: 10 questions for 10 years – James Graham
Playwright James Graham may have had two plays in the West End at the same time but can he handle ten questions from me?!
10 questions for 10 years – Samuel Barnett
Original History Boy Samuel Barnett takes on the 10 Questions for 10 Years challenge.
NEWS: The Ferryman scores high in Tony Awards nominations, closely followed by Ink
Sam Mendes’ Olivier Award-winning production of Jez Butterworth’s The Ferryman received equal top billing at this week’s Tony Awards 2019 nominations announcement alongside the hit Broadway production of To Kill a Mockingbird. The productions both have nine nods including ones for Ferryman actors Paddy Considine (Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play), Fionnula Flanagan and Laura Donnelly. The …
Mark Shenton views the week of news, openings & radical overhauls of Shakespeare in the West End, Broadway & beyond
Mark Shenton offers the week’s news, reviews, quotes and tweets in theatre from both sides of the Atlantic, including an interview with Sonia Friedman, reviews of Shakespeare in three different abbreviated versions, and a YouTube star appearing on Broadway.
‘There’s some crisp writing’: PEOPLE LIKE US – Union Theatre
Mike Leigh’s genius was to offer Abigail’s Party to audiences who roared with laughter without recognising themselves on the stage. Julie Burchill and Jane Robins may have pulled off the same trick with People Like Us.
What’s Debbie looking forward to in October 2018?
It honestly doesn’t let up. At all. After an Edinburgh-focused August, and a ‘keep myself busy at all costs’ September (mostly to avoid the hell that is rush hour transport), October has rolled in, bursting at the seams because there is too much to do.
‘A city’s darkest, funniest, kindest, quirkiest facets’: SKETCHING – Wilton’s Music Hall ★★★★
There are eight authors who have contributed to Sketching and as their leader – and contributor of three of the strands – the ever-fertile, ever-fascinated James Graham.
‘Very much a work in progress’: SKETCHING – Wilton’s Music Hall
James Graham’s new show Sketching attempts a purer form of anthology, blending stories from eight competition winners to co-create a patchwork of London life.
NEWS: Almeida Theatre’s new season will feature the return of Simon Russell Beale, Patsy Ferran & Anne Washburn
Artistic director Rupert Goold has announced the Almeida Theatre’s new season.
NEWS: Casting is announced for James Graham’s Sketching at Wilton’s Music Hall
Nav Sidhu, Penny Layden, Samuel James, Sean Michael Verey and Sophie Wu will star in James Graham’s Sketching, playing at Wilton’s Music Hall from 26 September to 27 October 2018, with a press night on 2 October.
What’s Debbie looking forward to in September 2018?
On the broader theatrical landscape, there are plenty of things opening this month! In London Eugenius! returns to The Other Palace, Milly Thomas’ Dust transfers to Trafalgar Studios 2, and Foxfinder opens at the Ambassadors.
‘The smartphone has effectively become a body part’: EROS author Kevin Mandry on screen addiction & his favourite playwrights
What would you do if you lost your smartphone? Are we all in need of a digital detox? In our interview with EROS author Kevin Mandry, he discusses screen addiction, Herbert Lom onstage, his favourite playwrights, the kiss of the camera, digital detox ambitions and more. Read up… and then get booking!
NEWS: ENO makes debut in Wilton’s Music Hall new season which also features festive return of The Box of Delights
Wilton’s Music Hall today has announced its autumn season which will feature: ENO presenting Paul Bunyan as part of ENO Studio Live; the world premiere of Sketching by James Graham; and the return of festive classic The Box of Delights.
NEWS: James Graham calls on new writers to take part in Dickens-inspired Sketching at Wilton’s Music Hall
Oliver Award-winning playwright James Graham and director Thomas Hescott are seeking new and undiscovered writers to collaborate on the uniquely multi-authored, Dickens-inspired play Sketching this autumn at Wilton’s Music Hall (26 September to 27 October 2018, with a press night on 2 October).
‘Fascinating from start to finish’: QUIZ – West End
Quiz is a thought-provoking piece of theatre that will really make you question what you perceive to be the truth.
Text of the Day: Quiz
Random and topical thoughts and quotes gathered by My Theatre Mates contributor Aleks Sierz, first published on www.sierz.co.uk.
‘Totally contemporary & relevant’: THIS HOUSE – Touring ★★★★★
This House performs the miraculous feat of making a play about events which occurred over 40 years ago feel totally contemporary and relevant.
‘A sense that something is lost in the upscale’: QUIZ – West End
Quiz transfers to the Noel Coward from Chichester Festival Theatre’s increasingly successful and relatively small Minerva Theatre. Sadly, there is a sense that something is lost in the upscale.
‘How competitive are you?’ QUIZ – West End ❤❤❤❤
James Graham’s engaging play is transformed into a highly entertaining production by Daniel Evans, placing the ideas of entertainment and justice under the spotlight.