Above all it is Kretzmer’s stunning lyrical treatment of those soaring French melodies (on press night, immaculately delivered under Steve Moss’ baton) woven around a story that is breathtaking in its scope that still define Les Misérables as a night of world class musical theatre.
‘It is a star making performance from Daisy Wood-Davis’: BEAUTIFUL THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL – Touring
In this touring production of Beautiful, following on from lengthy London and Broadway runs, Daisy Wood-Davis plays Carole King from innocent 16 year old with enviable talent to an older and wiser woman.
‘A fine example of Off-West End musical theatre’: RAGS – Park Theatre ★★★★
In Rags director Bronagh Lagan has assembled some gifted talent in her Park Theatre company with Carolyn Maitland as Rebecca driving the show.
‘The music is the heart & soul of this show’: ONCE – Touring ★★★★
A welcome return for Once, a gorgeous show with music truly at its heart and soul.
‘A complete delight of a musical’: ONCE – Touring ★★★★★
The audience can’t hep but be attentive throughout as Once has the magical ability to completely wrap them up and take them on a journey that is pure and delicate.
MISSED THE BOAT: Stephen Ward
Posted on January 7, 2020 by Debbie
Stephen Ward Photo credit: Nobby Clark
I very nearly did see this one, but it opened and closed so swiftly that I didn’t really have the chance – I wasn’t living in London at that point, so a bit …
‘Don’t miss the chance to see this charming show’: CURTAINS – West End
In a strong year for new London productions, Curtains finishes 2019 on a high with a true song and dance show that glories in its love of the stage and the process of putting on a production.
‘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.
‘Completely charismatic’: WHITE CHRISTMAS – West End ★★★★
The embodiment of glamour from start to finish, White Christmas whisks you away and takes you to a wintery wonderland where lullabies and tap dances reign supreme.
‘Delivers in style’: WHITE CHRISTMAS – West End
Before long the stage is overflowing with so much joy, romance and goodwill to all that ultimately, much like the snow song, this White Christmas proves impossible to resist.
‘A wild, sparkling, energetic piece of musical theatre’: & JULIET – West End ★★★★
If you want an explicitly queer, feminist musical that’s funny, entertaining and scored by songs that you grew up listening to then go see & Juliet.
‘Takes the building blocks of the genre in a new & unusual direction’: GHOST QUARTET – Boulevard Theatre
If this inaugural show, Ghost Quartet, means the new Boulevard Theatre is setting out its stall for a programme of unusually staged and challenging productions in the future then there is every reason to come back soon.
‘Works exceptionally in the space’: GHOST QUARTET – Boulevard Theatre ★★★★
The vivacious performances and gripping qualities of characterisation throughout make Ghost Quartet a thrilling way to spend ninety minutes.
‘Certainly turns the classic tale on its head’: SOHO CINDERS – Charing Cross Theatre ★★★
Soho Cinders isn’t life-changing but it allows us to experience tongue-in-cheek, energetic performances which will entertain for the duration of the show.
‘Threatens to sound better than the original’: DADDY LONG LEGS – Cirencester ★★★★★
With direction from Kirstie Davis, the music, choreography, design and talent all coincide for a great production of Daddy Long Legs at the Barn Theatre.
‘This is a show of quality’: THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW – Touring – King’s Theatre, Glasgow
There are few shows that pack more entertainment into two hours, and few that stand up to repeat viewing like Rocky Horror. Hands-down one of the best musicals of all time and with this first-rate cast, it would be a crime to miss it.
‘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 masterclass of contemporary political theatre’: EVITA – Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre ★★★★★
In a production that is as much rally as world class musical, Jamie Lloyd transforms Evita into a commentary on recent times as well as a showcase of some of the finest performing talent to be found on both sides of the pond.
‘This youthful cast have captured the brilliantly barbed irony & comment’: PARADE – The Other Palace ★★★★★
This year’s National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT) residency at the Other Palace sees this remarkable theatre company tackle Jason Robert Brown’s Parade, a musical that is as technically demanding as its story is grim and harrowing.