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.
‘Oh what a show! Raw, fresh & intense’: EVITA – Open Air Theatre
With plenty to say about the shallow foundations of political leaders hiding behind their PR machines, Jamie Lloyd’s triumphant Evita is raw, fresh and intense – “oh what a show!”
‘Theatrical magic’: OKLAHOMA! – Chichester ★★★★
Jeremy Sams and his creative team have delivered theatrical magic in Oklahoma! at Chichester Festival Theatre.
‘You can practically hear doors flinging open to Yarrow all over town’: JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT – West End
The staging and orchestration of the Palladium’s new version of Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat looks to the future, as a whole new set of children fall in love with this perennial musical.
‘Exciting, vibrant & thrilling’: JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR – Barbican Theatre ★★★★
Back for its third triumphant year, the Regent’s Park Open Air production of Jesus Christ Superstar is exciting, vibrant fresh and thrilling.
‘Full of heart & energy’: The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ The Musical – West End ★★★★
The Secret Diary Of Adrian Mole Aged 13¾ The Musical is an expressive and animated production, full of heart and energy.
‘The audience loved this show’: LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE – Touring ★★★★
I can’t help but wholly recommend Little Miss Sunshine, a feel good road trip with an unconventional, dysfunctional family that brings a smile to your face.
‘Excellence continues to abound throughout’: FIDDLER ON THE ROOF – West End ★★★★★
With its first major cast change since opening – as well as a shift across the Thames – Trevor Nunn’s Fiddler On The Roof remains one of London’s musical theatre jewels.
‘A story the world still needs to hear’: BARE: A POP OPERA – The Vaults
There’s nothing historic about the issues Bare: A Pop Opera tackles, as is emotionally demonstrated in the powerful finale of this new London production at The Vaults.
‘A rare & wonderful evening’: THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA – Royal Festival Hall ★★★★
Only on until 4 July before an international tour, The Light In The Piazza is a must see for all who appreciate modern writing and quality musical theatre.
‘I get to pretend to be a pop star’: Vicki Manser on bringing herstory to life in Six The Musical
Vicki Manser told us about Six the Musical, who she’d like to play her in her own pop concert musical and what she’d say to Henry VIII if she got the chance…
‘It certainly has the heart to inspire’: ANNIE – Touring ★★★
Although the sun might not be coming out in Surrey tomorrow, there’s no doubt that this production of Annie will bring light and joy to many children.
‘Captures the whimsy & delight of the film wonderfully’: AMELIE THE MUSICAL – Touring ★★★★
The cult French film Amélie has been on a long journey to get to the UK and it’s finally set down here for a shortbread-box-sweet tour which captures the whimsy and delight of the film wonderfully.