I’ve also had some really wonderful nights in the theatre that I wouldn’t have missed for the world. These included the long-delayed West End transfer of Life of Pi.
‘Absolutely outstanding in just about every single aspect’: LIFE OF PI – West End
It’s only happened a handful of times in my theatregoing life, but at Wyndham’s Theatre, I had the urge to leap to my feet and instigate a standing ovation. In fact, I felt that way as the interval arrived, the show was that good.
NEWS: Rory Kinnear & Kit Harington are cast in Donmar Warehouse’s new season
London’s Donmar Warehouse has announced its reopening season following extended closure and completion of essential building works, beginning with with Inua Ellams’ audience-led poetry event Search Party.
NEWS: The Old Vic announces The Lorax as next in the In Camera live-stream series
The latest addition to the Old Vic’s In Camera series will Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax from 14–17 April 2021 with Jamael Westman (Hamilton, West End) as the Once-ler and Audrey Brisson, David Ricardo-Pearce and Ben Thompson as The Lorax. Other cast includes: Richard Katz, Melanie La Barrie and Silas Wyatt-Barke.
NEWS: Hiran Abeysekera will reprise the lead role in West End transfer of Life of Pi as full cast is announced
Hiran Abeysekera will return in the lead role of Pi when the celebrated five-star Sheffield Theatres production of Life of Pi transfers to London this summer.
NEWS: Four wins for Sheffield Theatres’ Life Of Pi at the UK Theatre Awards
There were wins for Sheffield Theatres’ Life Of Pi at the 2019 UK Theatre Awards, revealed at London’s Guildhall.
NEWS: Sheffield Theatres’ acclaimed production of Life of Pi transfers to the West End
Sheffield Theatres’ acclaimed production of Life of Pi, directed by Max Webster, will transfer to London’s Wyndham’s Theatre in 2020 with performances beginning on 22 June (press night is 9 July 2020).
NEWS: Nominations are announced for the UK Theatre Awards 2019
The list of nominees has been revealed for this year’s UK Theatre Awards, the only nationwide awards to honour and celebrate outstanding achievements in theatre throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Best New Play nominees are Laura Wade’s The Watsons, Ulster American by David Ireland and Life Of Pi, adapted by Lolita Chakrabarti from Yann Martel’s novel, while Best Musical …
REVIEW ROUND-UP: The Merry Widow at English National Opera
Love London Love Culture rounds up the reviews for Max Webster’s production of Lehár’s operetta The Merry Widow.
‘Idyllic whimsy with a touch of delightful midsummer madness’: AS YOU LIKE IT – Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Shakespeare’s slight and silly comedy As You Like at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is just the thing for midsummer.
‘Delightful from beginning to end’: AS YOU LIKE IT – Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre ★★★★
Overall, this is a lovely summer treat at the Open Air Theatre, working well in the context of its surroundings of Regent’s Park. Hilarious, touching and well worth a visit.
NEWS: Olivia Vinall and Edward Hogg are cast in Open Air Theatre’s As You Like It as full details announced
Olivia Vinall and Edward Hogg take the roles of Rosalind and Orlando in Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s As You Like It, with Keziah Joseph and Beruce Khan in the roles of Celia and Oliver.
‘Never really gripped me as a piece of storytelling’: FANNY & ALEXANDER – Old Vic Theatre
Fancy three and a half hours of Ingmar Bergman? At least the Old Vic’s seats are comfortable for Fanny and Alexander with a marvellous Penelope Wilton.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: Fanny & Alexander at the Old Vic Theatre
Ingmar Berman’s masterpiece Fanny & Alexander is brought to the Old Vic stage (playing until 14 April 2018), starring Penelope Wilton. Here’s what critics have had to say about it…
‘It’s the performances that drive this marvellous production’: FANNY & ALEXANDER – Old Vic Theatre ★★★★
It may be better not to have seen the movie Fanny & Alexander. Coming to the stage version untainted you’ll have a stronger chance to enjoy an exuberant energy and ribald theatricality that doesn’t really characterise Bergman films.
NEWS: Penelope Wilton leads cast of Ingmar Bergman’s Fanny & Alexander onstage
Full casting – including Penelope Wilton – is announced today for the new stage adaptation of Ingmar Bergman’s 1982 Swedish drama film Fanny & Alexander, which runs at London’s Old Vic Theatre from 21 February to 14 April 2018.
NEWS: Open Air Theatre’s 2018 summer includes Peter Pan return, Little Shop Of Horrors & ENO
The Open Air Theatre has announced the programme for its 2018 summer season, under the continuing artistic directorship of Timothy Sheader. The headline productions are Peter Pan, As You Like It, Dinosaur World Live, Little Shop of Horrors, and The Turn of the Screw, a co-production with English National Opera.
THE WINTER’S TALE – Edinburgh
Lucid and engaging, the Lyceum’s Scottish-set production of The Winter’s Tale has much to recommend it, even if it does not quite convince.
TICKETS: Mark’s Top Ten recommendations + this week’s openings (14 Dec)
Another week of big openings ahead means I won’t be getting to everything even if I wanted to (and right now I am still trying to take it easier than I used to), let alone playing catch-up on what I missed when I was incapacitated after my recent double rounds of surgery! Here are the main openings of the week to look out for, followed by my current Top 10.
NEWS: Full cast announced for Dr Seuss’ The Lorax at Old Vic
The Old Vic today announces casting for David Greig’s adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax, directed by Max Webster. Simon Lipkin will play the role of the Lorax, alongside puppeteers Laura Cubitt and Ben Thompson, whilst Simon Paisley Day takes the role of the Once-ler. Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax is the third production in Matthew Warchus’ opening season as Artistic Director and opens on 16 December, with previews from 3 December.