I love it when the theatre perfectly fits the show. Artists can overcome a wrong space, but there’s gleeful concord when it suits this well. The vast new hangar-like Troubadour uses all its height and industrial chic to convey New York 1899 in Newsies: fire-escapes, iron balconies, vast billboard for the Santa Fe railroad, walls all newsprint and windows and washing lines.
‘It’s pretty hard not to be won over’: NEWSIES – Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre
This London premiere of Newsies at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre has already extended bookings until next spring and, if the ecstatic – verging on hysterical – first night reaction was any indication, it’ll be opening up ticket sales for beyond then fairly soon. One would imagine this was always the intention of principal producers Runaway Entertainment (in partnership with Disney Theatrical and a few others) who have clearly spared no expense in presenting this London Newsies.
‘The energy & precision is truly mesmerising’: NEWSIES – Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre ★★★★
As temperatures soar below zero, the heat is definitely up at the Troubadour theatre in Wembley as the venue’s long awaited production of Newsies sizzles and soars.
‘This youthful cast have captured the brilliantly barbed irony & comment’: PARADE – The Other Palace ★★★★★
This year’s National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT) residency at the Other Palace sees this remarkable theatre company tackle Jason Robert Brown’s Parade, a musical that is as technically demanding as its story is grim and harrowing.
‘Theatrical magic’: OKLAHOMA! – Chichester ★★★★
Jeremy Sams and his creative team have delivered theatrical magic in Oklahoma! at Chichester Festival Theatre.
‘Edgy & interesting’: OKLAHOMA! – Chichester ★★★★
If the overall effect of Oklahoma! at Chichester Festival Theatre is more of a puzzle-play than a lollipop romp, so much the better.
‘Engaging & very enjoyable production’: OKLAHOMA! – Chichester ★★★
This year Chichester Festival Theatre is taking on Oklahoma! with their usual mix of respect for the piece and urge to find a new viewpoint on it.
‘Imaginative yet also reassuringly traditional’: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF – Menier Chocolate Factory ★★★★★
In eschewing any trendy political statement to hang around his work, Nunn has made it all the more poignant and powerful. Deservedly sold out for the rest of its Menier run, his Fiddler On The Roof is a must-see musical.
‘Packed with excellent choreography’: FLASHDANCE – Touring
Hannah Chissick has managed to create a show in Flashdance which captures the flavour of the 1980s and the spirit of the original film, really focusing on the dancing element and celebrating it which makes it a joy to watch.
‘High energy from start to finish’: FLASHDANCE – Touring ★★★
Flashdance isn’t the most astounding piece of theatre but it’s high energy from start to finish with some memorable songs that’ll definitely get stuck in your head.