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;
Mark Shenton kicks off his new ShenTens podcast with a top ten favourite musicals
I’ve launched a brand-new weekly podcast, called ShenTen, in which I will countdown my personal top tens in different theatrical categories.
NEWS: Menier Chocolate Factory announces its spring season for 2020
The Menier Chocolate Factory has announced the forthcoming two productions – the European premiere of Paula Vogel’s Tony Award-winning play Indecent, directed by Rebecca Taichman; and Alan Bennett’s Habeas Corpus directed by Patrick Marber, who returns to the Menier following his hit production of Tom Stoppard’s Travesties.
Ought To Be Clowns’ 10 favourite shows of 2019
Ought To Be Clowns barely saw 250 shows this year, quiet by his standards. And as is the way of these things, here’s a rundown of some of the productions that moved me most…
Theatre review of the 2019 & what to see in 2020
With a new year fast approaching, it is an interesting time to reflect on small changes across the theatre landscape in 2019 that will continue to shape how UK theatre will look as it moves into a new decade.
Love London Love Culture’s Favourite Shows of 2019
Emma Clarendon selects her favourite theatre productions of the year…
Best of the Blogs: Cyrano de Bergerac, A Taste Of Honey, The Boy Friend & More
In our continuing series, our editor Lisa Martland picks out some of her Top Picks from the last week of theatre including Love London Love Culture’s delight at watching Jamie Lloyd’s razor sharp West End production of Cyrano de Bergerac.
‘Sparkling production’: THE BOY FRIEND – Menier Chocolate Factory ★★★★
Just walking into the theatre and seeing Paul Anderson’s vibrantly coloured set for The Boy Friend chases away the winter blues and transports you to 1920s Riviera in this sparkling production.
‘Maintains its crisp choreography’: THE BOY FRIEND – Menier Chocolate Factory ★★★★
The Boy Friend is an ideal show to lighten these dark winter days, providing a healthy dose of escapism and pure joyousness for all.
‘A colourful & escapist retreat’: THE BOY FRIEND – Menier Chocolate Factory ★★★
At the end of a year in which female-forward and feminist theatre has made so much progress, The Boy Friend looks regressive as well as nostalgic. On the other hand, it is a colourful and escapist retreat from the winter, and we could all do with a night off from angst.
‘A surefire hit if ever there was one’: THE BOY FRIEND – Menier Chocolate Factory
As light as a madeleine and as frivolous as a macaron, Sandy Wilson’s The Boy Friend proves a festive treat at the Menier Chocolate Factory.
NEWS: Laura Wade’s The Watsons transfers to the West End
Following sold-out runs at both Chichester Festival Theatre and the Menier Chocolate Factory, Laura Wade’s The Watsons transfers to the West End in 2020. The production opens at the Harold Pinter Theatre on 19 May, with previews from 8 May, and runs until 26 September.
Best of the Blogs: Master Harold, The Watsons, Mamma Mia!, The Open, Two Ladies &…
In our continuing series, our editor Lisa Martland picks out some of her Top Picks from the last week of theatre (to 6 October 2019), ranging from Libby Purves’ childhood reminiscences associated with Master Harold and the Boys at the National to Abba-fest Mamma Mia! The Party and reviews of new plays The Open, Two Ladies, The Watsons and more. Enjoy.
‘Delicious, clever & delectable confection’: THE WATSONS – Menier Chocolate Factory ★★★★★
Like characters in a book who never die, Laura Wade’s The Watsons at the Menier Chocolate Factory deserves to last forever.
‘Fun to watch from start to finish’: THE WATSONS – Menier Chocolate Factory ★★★★★
Laura Wade’s gleeful reimagining of Jane Austen’s unfinished novel in The Watsons is a refreshing tribute to her work and characters.
NEWS: Menier Chocolate Factory announces initial casting for major revival of The Boy Friend
The Menier Chocolate Factory has announced initial casting for its major revival of Sandy Wilson’s The Boy Friend running at the theatre from 22 November 2019 to 7 March 2020 (press night is on 3 December 2019). Full casting will be announced shortly.
NEWS: Menier Chocolate Factory announces major revival of Sandy Wilson’s The Boy Friend
The Menier Chocolate Factory has announced a major revival of Sandy Wilson’s The Boy Friend, running at the theatre from 22 November 2019 until 7 March 2020 (press night is 3 December), directed by Matthew White along with choreographer and associate director Bill Deamer.
‘Captures the soul of the story perfectly’: THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY – Menier Chocolate Factory ★★★★
Jenna Russell’s stunning performance combined with Trevor Nunn’s delicately understated production captures the soul of the story perfectly in The Bridges of Madison County at the Menier Chocolate Factory.
‘Excellence continues to abound throughout’: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF – West End ★★★★★
With its first major cast change since opening – as well as a shift across the Thames – Trevor Nunn’s Fiddler On The Roof remains one of London’s musical theatre jewels.
Best of the Blogs: Death of a Salesman, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Orpheus Descending & more
As part of a new series, our editor Lisa Martland picks out seven of her Top Picks from the last week of theatre (29 April-6 May 2019). Amidst her choices are two more West End productions of classic American drama: Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman at the Young Vic (Emily Garside) and Tennessee Williams’ Orpheus Descending at the Menier Chocolate Factory (Libby Purves).