Legally Blonde is the freshest, frothiest and funniest pick-me-up in theatre. With a wonderfully diverse company, Regent Park Theatre’s production is joyous from the opening chords.
Mark Shenton looks to the future with his pick of the next generation of rising stars
In four previous episodes of my weekly #ShenTens podcast, and their accompanying columns here, I’ve chosen my top ten favourite leading ladies and leading men respectively in both Broadway and West End musicals. Now I turn to rising stars — the next generation of performers who are already making their mark in London. (I’ll get to Broadway when it returns to business itself).
‘I still have to pinch myself that it is actually happening’: Andrew Bateup represents the theatre industry on The Voice UK
After winning a “musical theatre” battle with Matthew Croke, Andrew Bateup is getting ready for the semi-finals of The Voice (this Saturday, 8.30pm, ITV). Andrew is not just a great singer: his theatre credits include the UK tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (2012-15) and Choir Of Man (2019).
Album Review: The Future Ain’t What It Used To Be – Danielle Steers ★★★★★
The Future Ain’t What It Used To Be offers a fresh take on some classic songs and is a great opportunity for Danielle Steers to take centre stage and showcase her amazing vocals.
Album Review: The Future Ain’t What It Used To Be – Danielle Steers
West End star Danielle Steers is soon to share her brand new album featuring nine Jim Steinman songs. Entitled The Future Ain’t What It Used To Be, all of the tracks have been rearranged by Noam Galperin to give the upcoming release a fresh feel, particularly fitting to her unique voice.
‘Enough energy to light Hampton Court for 500 years’: SIX THE MUSICAL – Touring ★★★★
You’ll lose your head over Six The Musical, which is bringing a new audience to the Festival Theatre just a week ahead of the show’s Broadway debut.
‘At the cutting edge of the zeitgeist’: SIX THE MUSICAL – Touring
As well as providing a welcome opportunity for performers to really cut loose, Six also – sadly – remains at the cutting edge of the zeitgeist.
‘Jamie Lloyd is unleashing a torrent of creative genius’: EVITA – Open Air Theatre
Director Jamie Lloyd offers up a complete reimagining of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice musical and one which feels sparkingly fresh in every single aspect.
‘Nowhere near enough charm for my liking’: SWEET CHARITY – Donmar Warehouse
Nowhere near enough charm in this Sweet Charity for my liking. Josie Rourke’s farewell to the Donmar Warehouse is grey rather than silver.
NEWS: Further casting is announced for Josie Rourke’s production of Sweet Charity at the Donmar Warehouse
The Donmar Warehouse has announced further casting for artistic director Josie Rourke’s farewell production Sweet Charity. Joining previously announced cast members Anne-Marie Duff as Charity and Arthur Darvill as Oscar will be Lizzy Connolly, Lauren Drew, Jo Eaton-Kent, Will Haswell, Charlotte Jaconelli, Stephen Kennedy, Debbie Kurup, Martin Marquez, Ryan Reid, Amy Ellen Richardson, Danielle Steers and Shaq Taylor. The musical will run from 6 April to 8 June 2019 (press night is 17 April).