The melancholic, Irish music performed by actor-musicians and the almost-love story set Once apart from the bold, brash showiness of musicals that stick more closely to traditional forms.
‘It’s a life-affirming show’: RAGS – Park Theatre ★★★★
Bronagh Lagan’s production of Rags has heart in spades and provides a real impact through the thoughtful way its themes are tackled.
‘A feast for the eyes & ears’: MARY POPPINS – West End ★★★
There’s something universally adored about the feel-good story of the Banks family in Mary Poppins, so it’s no surprise that the musical is once again gracing the West End.
‘Some enchanted evening’: KELLI O’HARA – Cadogan Hall ★★★★★
The American leading ladies London seems to take to its heart seem to be belters, but Kelli O’Hara has more variety in her voice than any of them.
The Show People Podcast: Paul ‘Paulus’ L. Martin loves Marmite
The Show People Podcast is back and in this episode host Andrew Keates is joined by Paul L. Martin, best known for being the Marmite judge on the BBC reality series All Together Now.
‘The entire production feels relatable’: HIGH FIDELITY – Turbine Theatre ★★★★
As the Turbine Theatre’s second production, it’s wonderful to see a musical like High Fidelity which brings to life some of the excellence of this city.
The Show People Podcast: Stephen Mear uses a harness and a swing
The Show People Podcast is back and in this episode host Andrew Keates is joined by world renowned and Olivier Award-winning choreographer Stephen Mear.
‘Excellent, moving piece of theatre’: TICK, TICK… BOOM! – Bridge House Theatre
Before Jonathan Larson’s iconic musical Rent took the world by storm, there was the autobiographical show, Tick, Tick…Boom!
‘Brought to life with vitality & vocal prowess’: BROOKLYN THE MUSICAL – Greenwich Theatre ★★★★
Strong direction by Adam Haigh and consistently impressive performances by the cast bring Brooklyn The Musical at Greenwich Theatre to life with vitality and vocal prowess, and make it one to tick off the list.
‘Exciting, truthful & special’: SHIDA – The Vaults ★★★★
It’s rare to see such a provocative performance from a stellar performer in such an intimate space and it’s worth taking a trip just for the bragging rights of seeing Jeannette Bayardelle up close in Shida.
‘The nasty aftertaste negates the positives’: BIG THE MUSICAL – West End
Though the design is superb, the kids are both adorable and excellent performers, and McGuiness’s work is solid, the appalling storyline of Big and its tone-deafness can get in the bin.
‘It shows its age’: FAME THE MUSICAL – West End
“Fame!” – we all know the infamous song. The lyrics, “I’m gonna live forever, I’m gonna learn how to fly, HIGH” are not well known just because of the original 1980 film, but because of the subsequent television series, film remake and musicals that followed.
‘Makes a triumphant return’: FAME THE MUSICAL – West End ★★★★
Back in the West End after 12 years, Fame makes a triumphant return with Nick Winston’s production. This 30th anniversary edition has been touring since 2018 but is having a prolonged five-week stop at the Peacock Theatre.
‘A cast made up of crystal clear singers’: FALSETTOS – The Other Palace ★★★★
Intricate but not in-your-face Falsettos is a must-see reminder of human love; and a great example of how moving music can be.
‘Elevated by an outrageously good ensemble’: FALSETTOS – The Other Palace
Judging the production at face-value though, Falsettos is well sung, ultra-smart and ultimately gutting. Those who buy a ticket will have plenty to look forward to.
‘Definitely has potential’: THE FEELING – The Other Palace
With an influx of Broadway transfers and film/book to movie adaptations dominating the London theatre scene, it’s always wonderful to see new British theatre developing. The Feeling by Kyra Jessica Willis is a good example of this, as it brings social troubles to light in a headstrong way that feels authentically British.
FROM DOWN UNDER: West Side Story in Sydney ★★★★★
One of the most iconic musicals of all time, this West Side Story is an explosion of colour and culture clashes which immerses all your senses at the Sydney Opera House. This heart wrenching tale of lovers from two sides is a rollercoaster journey, taking its audience through every emotion.
‘Enthralling & authentic to watch’: ONCE ON THIS ISLAND – Southwark Playhouse ★★★★
The British Theatre Academy’s production of the Caribbean-inspired Little Mermaid adaptation, Once On This Island is an enchanting show with dynamic, heart-wrenching performances, energy in spades and a glorious uptempo score.
A Roundabout rundown: Six Paines Plough shows at Edfringe
The Paines Plough Roundabout is the most reliable, new writing venues at the fringe. With a collection of work that represents the width and breadth of the UK both geographically and thematically, this year’s offerings are universally strong.
‘The uniformly thrilling cast brings vocals that cause involuntary whoops’: THE VIEW UPSTAIRS – Soho Theatre ★★★★
Jonathan O’Boyle has directed a moving production of The View Upstairs which feels like an homage to those fighting for gay rights in the past, those fighting now and those who are yet to realise they need to fight.