View Post

‘Raw & fascinating to watch’: LES BLANCS – National Theatre at Home (Online review) ★★★★★

In London theatre, Online shows, Opinion, Plays, Reviews by Emma Clarendon7th July 2020Leave a Comment

Lorraine Hansberry’s play Les Blancs is vividly and powerfully brought to life in Yaël Farber‘s atmospheric production.

View Post

‘A sheer spectacle with plenty of energy & passion’: CELTIC TIGER – The Shows Must Go On! (Online review)

In Dance, Online shows, Opinion, Reviews by Emma Clarendon6th July 2020Leave a Comment

This 2005 production of Celtic Tiger directed, produced and choreographed by Michael Flatley has some interesting concepts – but put together comes across as an incoherent show.

View Post

‘It is emotional to watch from start to finish’: HAMILTON – Disney Plus (Online review) ★★★★★

In Broadway, Musicals, Online shows, Opinion, Reviews by Emma Clarendon5th July 2020Leave a Comment

Spectacularly unique and filled with passion, this filmed version of the hit Broadway musical Hamilton is exquisite to watch – no matter how many times you have seen it.

View Post

‘A delightful two hours of comedy, love & misunderstandings’: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM, Bridge Theatre ★★★★★ (Online review)

In Online shows, Opinion, Plays, Reviews by Emma Clarendon1st July 2020Leave a Comment

Enhancing the magic and dreamy qualities of the play, Nicholas Hytner’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a delightful two hours of comedy, love and misunderstandings.

View Post

‘Charmingly quirky’: Amélie The Musical ★★★★★ (Album review)

In Albums, Musicals, Opinion, Reviews by Emma Clarendon29th June 2020Leave a Comment

This charmingly quirky musical is captured wonderfully on this newly released cast recording.

View Post

‘An uplifting & enjoyable production’: PETER PAN LIVE! – The Shows Must Go On ★★★★ (Online review)

In Musicals, Online shows, Opinion, Reviews by Emma Clarendon25th June 2020Leave a Comment

Confession time: I have found it difficult in the past to really enjoy or appreciate Peter Pan. This isn’t so much down to JM Barrie’s classic story but in the way it has been staged or filmed.

View Post

‘How wonderful it is to see a theatre being put to good use’: IN THE WINGS – Union Theatre ★★★★★ (Online review)

In London theatre, Musicals, Online shows, Opinion, Reviews by Emma Clarendon23rd June 2020Leave a Comment

No Limits: A Song Cycle was the first new musical featured in four-part series In the Wings, filmed live at the Union Theatre.

View Post

I asked my MP: Where is the support for theatre?

In Features, London theatre, Opinion by Emma Clarendon20th June 2020Leave a Comment

Love London Love Culture’s Emma Clarendon expresses her thoughts on the painful neglect of theatre during Covid-19, including a template response from her local, Cabinet Member MP.

View Post

‘A bold spectacle’: THE WIZ LIVE! – The Shows Must Go On ★★★★★ (Online review)

In Musicals, Online shows, Opinion, Reviews by Emma Clarendon16th June 2020Leave a Comment

This sharp and sassy musical, based on William F Brown’s interpretation of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, is a bold spectacle to watch unfold.

View Post

‘A beautiful & powerful musical experience’: FROM HERE TO ETERNITY – Broadway HD ★★★★ (Online review)

In Musicals, Online shows, Opinion, Reviews by Emma Clarendon15th June 2020Leave a Comment

This musical, which made its world premiere in the West End in 2013, deserved a much longer run than it received.

View Post

‘A powerful portrait of grief, love & guilt’: A MONSTER CALLS – Old Vic Theatre ★★★★★ (Online review)

In London theatre, Online shows, Opinion, Plays, Reviews by Emma Clarendon11th June 2020Leave a Comment

There is one emotion that we all feel that can link to other types of emotions: grief. From love to anger it pushes all other emotions to the brink and this is what A Monster Calls portrays so beautifully.

View Post

‘We want to spread love, support & solidarity’: Tori Allen-Martin & Sarah Henley on launching Burn Bright

In Features, Inspiring people, Interviews, London theatre, Online shows, Plays by Emma Clarendon9th June 2020Leave a Comment

Emma Clarendon chatted to Tori Allen-Martin and Sarah Henley about their new not-for-profit organisation, Burn Bright.

View Post

‘There are some really spectacular performances’: Les Miserables – The Staged Concert ★★★★ (Online review)

In Features, London theatre, Musicals, News, Opinion, Plays, Press Releases, Reviews, Ticket recommendations by Emma Clarendon20th May 2020Leave a Comment

This glorious and musically powerful staged concert version of the beloved musical manages to maintain the drama.

View Post

‘A lovely energy & pace runs right through the production’: BARBER SHOP CHRONICLES – National Theatre ★★★★★ (Online review)

In London theatre, Online shows, Opinion, Plays, Reviews by Emma Clarendon18th May 2020Leave a Comment

This is a gloriously funny and heartfelt play that offers a fascinating insight into how the barbershop is a place of vital importance for African men.

View Post

‘Filled with fun & mischief’: THE MIDNIGHT GANG – Chichester Festival Theatre ★★★★ (Online review)

In Children's theatre, Online shows, Opinion, Plays, Reviews by Emma Clarendon15th May 2020Leave a Comment

This lovely musical based on David Walliams’ children’s book is filled with fun and mischief.

View Post

‘A reminder of how important kindness & friendship is’: KINKY BOOTS – Broadway HD ★★★★ (Online review)

In London theatre, Musicals, Online shows, Opinion, Reviews by Emma Clarendon9th May 2020Leave a Comment

This uplifting and compassionate musical is a reminder of how important kindness and friendship is. Now available to watch online via Broadway HD.

View Post

‘Definitely an interesting way to bring the Brontës to life’: WASTED – Southwark Playhouse ★★★ (Online review)

In London theatre, Musicals, News, Opinion, Plays, Press Releases, Reviews, Ticket recommendations by Emma Clarendon2nd May 2020Leave a Comment

Empowering in many aspects, somehow elements of the story feel as though they get lost in this ambitious new musical.

View Post

‘Riotous fun from start to finish’: TWELFTH NIGHT – National Theatre ★★★★

In London theatre, Online shows, Opinion, Plays, Reviews by Emma Clarendon30th April 2020Leave a Comment

This joyous and lively production, starring Tamsin Greig, is one of the best versions of Shakespeare’s comedy I’ve ever seen.

View Post

‘I lost a gig on the crest of the wave & knew immediately I was only the first of many’: Robert Myles on launching weekly Shakespeare reading The Show Must Go Online

In Features, Interviews, Online shows, Plays by Emma Clarendon23rd April 2020Leave a Comment

We chatted to the actor about his project The Show Must Go Online, which weekly presents a Shakespeare play for online audiences.

View Post

‘A musical that celebrates the power & beauty of music’: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA – Royal Albert Hall (Online review)

In London theatre, Musicals, Online shows, Opinion, Reviews by Emma Clarendon21st April 2020Leave a Comment

As part of The Show Must Go On’s series streaming Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musicals online, this glorious celebration of The Phantom of the Opera highlights how it is a musical that celebrates the power and beauty of music.