Kate Pankhurst’s best-selling picture book Fantastically Great Women Who Changed the World is filled with fascinating facts about some of the amazing women who have changed the course of history. And it’s now been adapted into a musical by a creative team of wonderful women.
‘A lovely production chock-a-block with humour’: MY FAIR LADY – London Coliseum ★★★★
The London Coliseum was packed to the rafters and buzzing to see the long-awaited West End transfer of Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady. Bartlett Sher’s joyous production had a highly acclaimed run on Broadway and has now opened here, with the glorious Amara Okereke in the leading role. A role that seems made for her.
‘It lacks the sparkle you expect’: WE WILL ROCK YOU – Touring ★★★
Back for its 2022 tour, We Will Rock You is set in a dystopian future where “real” music has been outlawed and replaced with manufactured pop. Society is lived online and it’s up to a group of Bohemians to travel across the Seven Seas of Rye, declare themselves the champions and bring back rock and roll and freedom for all.
’It’s the first-rate performances that really bring this show to life’: LIFT – Southwark Playhouse ★★★
Overall, Lift is a well-paced show which lacks real depth and cohesion but is carried exceptionally well by the eight person cast. As a cult favourite, it’s worth catching just for the powerhouse voices and strong visuals.
INTERVIEW: Alex Gibson-Giorgio on playing the villain in Zorro The Musical
Alex Gibson-Giorgio plays Ramon in Zorro The Musical at London’s Charing Cross Theatre. He chats to us about the rehearsal process, what it’s like playing the villain and what audiences can expect from the musical.
‘The megamix at the end proves an audience favourite’: THE OSMONDS – Touring ★★★
It has been over 50 years since the wholesome, handsome brothers from Utah, The Osmonds, began their career.
INTERVIEW: Evelyn Hoskins on returning to the Waitress diner on tour
Evelyn Hoskins plays Jenna’s lovable friend Dawn who’s looking for love of her own. Evelyn spoke to us about taking the show on the road and how the pandemic changed her portrayal.
‘A fun revival that doesn’t take itself too seriously’: DIRTY DANCING – West End ★★★★
Dirty Dancing is one of the cult classic films that’s beloved by many generations and continually stands the test of time, so a stage version has a built-in audience.
‘Stellar effects & outstanding solo & ensemble performances’: BAT OUT OF HELL – Touring ★★★★★
There aren’t many touring shows where fire, confetti and belts that melt your faces off are the key selling points, but that’s what makes Bat Out of Hell such a unique and refreshing addition to the touring circuit.
‘A masterclass in succinct & intensive storytelling’: THRILL ME The Leopold & Loeb Story – Jermyn Street Theatre
Stephen Dolginoff’s 2003 musical Thrill Me: The Leopold and Loeb Story was the latest in a long line of cultural products inspired by this infamous murder case in 1920s America.
‘Breathing new life into such a well-loved classic’: BEDKNOBS & BROOMSTICKS – Touring
Everyone has a list of favourite childhood films and, as you might expect from a family of musical theatre lovers, Disney films feature heavily on ours.
This little country of ours sure punches above its weight sometimes
Between teaching, I caught three shows – two in London and one in Glasgow. Two shows came with the same heritage – produced originally at the Tron. The third one, a massive production also produced by an adventurous Scot.
‘A perfect reminder of the importance of community’: THE CHOIR OF MAN – Arts Theatre ★★★★
Nine men, a pub, singing, dancing and amazing energy levels, The Choir of Man is an absolute treat of a show.
‘A history lesson you’ll want to revisit time & again’: SIX THE MUSICAL – West End ★★★★★
It’s an 80-minute treat that flies by in a whizz of comedy, vocal excellence, spangly costumes and heart.
The freelancer rollercoaster: I’ve been turned down for so many jobs & grants in my life
In a previous blog, I talked of the excitement at waking up in our industry. But any time we bounce forward, we have to accept that we live on a rollercoaster. And the rushes to the bottom are not usually accompanied by screams of joy and thrill.
Is ‘Zoom in the flesh’ the way to wake up producers’ creativity post-pandemic?
I recently tried a technical experiment with Zoom and believe we may have found a way to harness the power of distance connection with the desire for getting back in a room.
‘Entertaining, ambitious and educational ‘: TOKYO ROSE — Southwark Playhouse (UK Tour) ★★★★
Burnt Lemon Theatre’s Tokyo Rose shows that you don’t need a big budget to stage a compelling musical.
‘There are big (and scary) challenges which need to be harnessed’: Chris Grady explores the Off West End theatre landscape post-lockdowns
As the West End reopens with the welcome return of blockbusters which will get the massive press coverage with red carpets and celebrities, my gaze turns to off West End, Regional, and new work development. I have been to Clapham Omnibus, Perth Theatre, and the Capital Theatre Studios in the last few days… alongside conversations with Broadway and Korean networks of producers. It is a fascinating time (and scary).
‘A magical fever dream that invites you to suspend your disbelief’: BAT OUT OF HELL – Manchester & Touring ★★★★★
Hitting the highway until late 2022, after several staggering runs in Toronto, New York and London, Bat Out Of Hell returned to its proverbial Manchester home this weekend.
NEWS: West End showcase will feature 15 up & coming musical theatre writers
A concert to celebrate the Chamber Musical Project will take place on 4 October 2021 at London’s Garrick Theatre. The Chamber Musical Sessions concert will invite audiences to join the selected 15 writing teams from across the UK to hear an array of new songs from the chamber musicals that they are writing.