Though theatres are now operating at full capacity (if they choose to) — and audiences are wearing masks only if they choose to, as well — there is a great deal of uncertainty, as performances are being routinely suspended at the very last minute if a cast member proves positive or has come into contact with someone who has.
From Cinderella to the Court: Mark Shenton reflects on another eventful week in the theatre calendar
The week began with Andrew Lloyd Webber being mentioned by Boris Johnson, as he extended the lockdown from the originally hoped-for ‘Freedom Day’ of 21 June to 19 July, at which point theatres may be able to reopen without social distancing in place;
As restrictions lift, Mark Shenton offers a comprehensive update on opening nights in London & across the UK
This weekly column keeps track of the shows that are coming back, or are newly being announced, as theatres start reopening from tonight (17 May) in London and at other theatres in the UK.
Put another dime in the jukebox baby: Mark Shenton picks out his Top Ten jukebox musicals
Jukebox musicals have become a staple of Broadway and the West End for a while now; familiarity, you could say, breeds contented audiences. As Mamma Mia! used to tag the show in their advertising: “You already know you’ve going to love it!”
Mark Shenton’s weekly chart of forthcoming theatrical comings & goings has some new entries
This weekly column keeps track of the shows that are coming back, or are newly being announced, as theatres prepare to re-open from next month onwards. It will be updated weekly until such time as it becomes a reality, and from then on will provide a weekly update to that week’s openings and future ones.
Why Mamma Mia! remains an irresistible show – according to Mark Shenton
Mamma Mia! recently marked its 22nd anniversary in the West End (it premiered at the Prince Edward Theatre on 6 April 1999, subsequently moving twice — first to the Prince of Wales, and then its current home, the Novello).
NEWS: Mamma Mia! heads to Harewood House for an open-air summer season
The musical Mamma Mia! will visit Harewood House in the heart of Yorkshire this summer from 13-30 August 2021 for audiences to enjoy the original stage show in the open air for the first time.
Love London Love Culture picks out her favourite songs performed by leading ladies
Emma Clarendon selects some of her favourite songs performed by leading lady characters in musicals….
‘Felt like a true celebration’: MUSICALS: THE GREATEST SHOW – BBC One ★★★★★
Dazzling from start to finish, the high quality of the performances, music and of course the venue featured in Musicals: The Greatest Show reminded us why exactly we are missing the theatre.
What am I missing? 8 musicals where I just didn’t get the hype
For every person who is a major fan of a show, there is someone on the other end of the spectrum who doesn’t like it. What would be the fun if we all liked the same things?!
‘Still has exactly what it takes to entertain audiences’: MAMMA MIA! – Touring ★★★★
There was a really good party atmosphere at the end of Mamma Mia! which saw quite a large proportion of the auditorium get up, dance and sing along to the final numbers before the cast took their final bows.
‘How can you resist it?’: MAMMA MIA! – Touring ★★★★
It’s not just one of us who was pleased to have Mamma Mia! back on the Edinburgh Playhouse stage – an air of expectation and excitement filled the entire auditorium for the show.
Celebrating girl power with Mamma Mia! & more: My Stagey Week
So this week, I saw some of the best and worst theatre as well as the Spice Girls again, which some would argue is the best and worst in pop music at the same time.
NEWS: Performers & presenters are announced for the Olivier Awards 2019
Full details of presenters, performances and special appearances have been announced for the Olivier Awards 2019 with Mastercard, which takes place on Sunday 7 April at the Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Jason Manford.
‘It’s no surprise that this show continues to be a success’: MAMMA MIA! – West End ★★★
It’s a cult classic, it’s summery fun, it’s the music of ABBA and altogether it’s a great night out. It’s never going to be the most theatrically enthralling or deeply emotive piece of theatre but Mamma Mia! is a boat load of laughs and a perfect carefree way to spend a couple of hours.
Meet Mamma Mia!’s Donna & the Dynamos: aka Sara Poyzer, Kate Graham & Ricky Butt
Collectively, the current Dynamos in the London production of Mamma Mia! – Sara Poyzer, Kate Graham & Ricky Butt – are the best three I’ve seen in all my years of watching and occasionally reviewing the show.
FROM DOWN UNDER: Mamma Mia! in Melbourne
It may be winter in Melbourne, but inside the newly refurbished Princess Theatre there is nothing but idyllic Greek island sunshine as Mamma Mia! returns in a new production.
‘There is not a weak link’: MAMMA MIA! – West End ★★★★★
Do you need to be a fan of Abba to enjoy the twists, turns and laugh out loud comedy of this gleeful show? No! Even if you’re not a fan of Abba’s music, I wager that a trip to see Mamma Mia! might just convert you.
INTERVIEW – Mamma Mia!’s Sara Poyzer & Georgia Louise
We all have our favourite Abba song, right? Imagine what’s it like to be part of the Mamma Mia! sensation, either on tour or in the West End? I spoke to Sarah Pozer who plays Donna and Georgia Louise who is Donna’s daughter Sophie.
NEWS: Line up of shows revealed for West End LIVE 2018
The full list of shows for West End LIVE 2018 West End LIVE, which returns to Trafalgar Square on 16 and 17 June 2018, has been released.