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.
‘Feels much more in the past than it should’: FIVER – Southwark Playhouse
Musically the show is lovely, but Fiver sadly feels much more in the past than it should, and for a show that is meant to showcase snapshots of all different people’s lives, lacks any significant diversity at all.
‘Pure delight of a musical’: FIVER – Southwark Playhouse ★★★★★
New British musical by Alex James Ellison and Tom Lees, Fiver follows a humble five pound note as it passes through the hands and pockets of various people in London.
‘A lovely ode to a well-loved piece of music theatre’: GODSPELL IN CONCERT – Cadogan Hall
The British Theatre Academy presents this colourful, semi-staged concert version of Stephen Schwartz’s Godspell. Providing a space for young performers to gain real theatrical experience, this particular version is a lovely ode to a well-loved piece of music theatre.
‘The young cast does a fantastic job’: BARE: A POP OPERA – The Vaults
The performances are strong in Bare: A Pop Opera at The Vaults and the music itself is extremely clever and mostly engaging.
‘A sumptuous treat for the eyes & ears’: THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA – Royal Festival Hall – ★★★★★
The marvellously swooping score by Adam Guettel for The Light In The Piazza whisks you away from the opening moment and enthrals you in the beauty and magic of this delicate Italian love story.
Top Ten Tips for West End Live
With just one week to go, I thought it would be the perfect time to put together my Top Ten Tips for attending West End Live and I hope it helps.
‘Energetic & magnetic throughout’: Ben Platt – Eventim Apollo ★★★★★
In his premiere London concert, Ben Platt performed his Sing To Me Instead tour to thunderous applause and proved that sublime vocal skill and authentic connection are the perfect combination for a magical night.
CD Review: Company 2018 London cast / Follies 2018 National Theatre cast
We should celebrate the fact that within the space of a year London has played host to stagings of not one but two Sondheim masterpieces that have all but redefined them in theatrical terms: Company and Follies.
‘Plenty of panache & satirical social commentary’: OPERATION MINCEMEAT – New Diorama Theatre
The true story of a British intelligence operation is told with plenty of panache and satirical social commentary (and heaps of high camp) in smashing new show Operation Mincemeat.
‘Fun, silly, spoofy & full of gags’: SUMMER STREET – Waterloo East Theatre ★★★★
Everything is a little brighter on Summer Street, or in this case Waterloo East Theatre. Summer Street takes us back to the heyday of the 1990’s to 00’s Australian soap opera or ‘Soapys’ when Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue were making their marks on television and British pantomimes always starred a Soapy star.