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;
‘A theatrical enterprise growing from strength to strength’: The Theatre Channel – Episode 4 Holiday Special (Online review)
Nipping in just before Santa arrives, The Theatre Channel’s fourth episode delivers festive treats aplenty in The Holiday Special.
‘A grand spectacle of musical theatre greatness’: A Musical Celebration of Andrew Lloyd Webber – Royal Hospital Chelsea ★★★★
As part of this year’s open-air concert line-up Live At Chelsea, some of the biggest names in musical theatre were joined by the Royal Symphonic Concert Orchestra to celebrate the 70th Birthday of Andrew Lloyd Webber, one of the most influential musical theatre composers of all time.
Album Reviews: Frozen / Prince of Broadway / Mean Girls
I turn my attention to the latest set of Broadway cast recordings with Frozen, Prince of Broadway and Mean Girls.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL – London Musical Theatre Orchestra ❄❄❄❄❄
Michael Xavier and Tobias Ungleson make a terrific Bob and Tiny Tim team, with the latter showing all the hallmarks of being a scene-stealer of the future!
‘Sumptuous’: A CHRISTMAS CAROL – London Musical Theatre Orchestra ★★★★★
Reprising his 2016 creation, Robert Lindsay is a gnarled and grizzled Ebenezer Scrooge, blossoming as he journeys to discover compassion and kindness.
‘Technically excellent’: A CHRISTMAS CAROL – London Musical Theatre Orchestra ★★★
It’s wonderful to see conductor Freddie Tapner with the haircut and enthusiastic shoulder action of a young Andre Previn, urging them to greater and greater heights. But, to misquote Dickens, the musical itself is the biggest turkey in the shop.
‘Technically excellent’: A CHRISTMAS CAROL – London Musical Theatre Orchestra ★★★
It’s wonderful to see conductor Freddie Tapner with the haircut and enthusiastic shoulder action of a young Andre Previn, urging them to greater and greater heights. But, to misquote Dickens, the musical itself is the biggest turkey in the shop.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL – London Musical Theatre Orchestra ★★★★★
Robert Lindsay is sublime as Scrooge and throughout the evening delivered some delicate comic moments and gestures without ever detracting from his impeccable and endearing characterisation.
NEWS: The Barricade Boys announce a line-up of 20+ musical guest stars for Christmas Cabaret
West End musical theatre group, The Barricade Boys, have announced a massive line-up of guest stars for their limited Christmas Cabaret season, which runs at London’s The Other Palace Studio from 5 to 23 December.
Sherman album series: Bumblescratch (2016 London Concert Cast Recording)
As A Spoonful of Sherman, a tribute to three generations of Sherman family music, including childhood classics by the Sherman Brothers, continues Live at Zedel until 20 August 2017, Ian Foster reviews related albums.
NEWS: Mates Mark Shenton & Terri Paddock join Curtain Up Oliviers broadcast
Mates co-founders Mark Shenton and Terri Paddock join the guest line-up for The Curtain Up Show Olivier Awards 2017 Special on Friday 7 April.
Year in Review: Ian Foster’s 12 Leading Men of the Year 2016
It’s that time of year again when I am publicly shallow in my appreciation of the men that grace our stages – and given the hit counts I get on these annual posts, you’re all just as thirsty as me! (Note from Mates: Visit Ian’s site for many more, and more revealing, pics of each – plus archive lists since 2009!)
Festive news #2 – Christmas Concert by Music Theatre Masterclass
Also giving up precious time before Christmas in aid of a good cause, is this motley crew to the left. Rufus Hound will be hosting a concert featuring them at The Actor’s Church in Covent Garden in aid of Children with Cancer UK on Sunday 18th December from 7.30pm.
BUMBLESCRATCH – West End
Told from the perspective of one Melbourne Bumblescratch, a laid-back, sleazy, pick-pocketing plague rat, Bumblescratch is a new musical comedy based around this remarkable rodent’s unique and twisted love affair with London during the 1665 Great Plague and the Great Fire one year later.
BUMBLESCRATCH – West End
This new musical by Robert J Sherman is fun, entertaining, poignant and excellently cast, delighting audiences at the Adelphi Theatre last night.
Bumblescratch: The challenges of writing sung-through musicals
Robert J Sherman is a composer, lyricist and book writer who is proud to carry on the enduring legacy of his father and uncle, Robert B and Richard M Sherman, a.k.a The Sherman Brothers, whose childhood musical classics include Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Mary Poppins (whose stage versions are both currently revived on tour). Robert J Sherman’s own credits include A Spoonful of Sherman and Love Birds. And, with his latest show, BUMBLESCRATCH, he tackles something that even together his father and uncle never did: the sung-through musical.
SOME ENCHANTED EVENING – Cadogan Hall
The performers were accompanied by The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, whose conductor Richard Balcombe musically directed the evening to perfection, orchestrating some beautiful arrangements within the revue. We were fortunate to have four fabulous leading West End stars to pay tribute to this genius Broadway legend.
NEWS: Natasha J Barnes & Ria Jones nominated for Best Understudy in Wilma Awards
Nominations have been announced in the third annual West End Wilma Awards, which will be held, once again, in association with London’s Hippodrome Casino. Public voting to decide the winners opens online on 2 September 2016 at westendwilma.com
NEWS: Full cast announced for Robert J Sherman’s Bumblescratch premiere
Full casting is announced today for next month’s special gala charity concert of Robert J. Sherman’s new musical BUMBLESCRATCH at West End’s Adelphi Theatre. The 13-strong company will include twelve-year-old Ilan Galkofff (Matilda, Oliver!) in the lead child role, joining previously announced adult leads Darren Day, Michael Xavier and Jessica Martin.