Calendar Girls The Musical is a totally British feel-good show which warms the heart, uplifts and entertains. It has something for everyone and is a beautiful portrayal of women supporting women.
‘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.
‘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.
‘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 fantastic debut’: GAMES FOR LOVERS – The Vaults ★★★★
Games for Lovers isn’t going to leave you questioning your life choices but it will leave you beaming from an utterly hilarious and fantastically enjoyable two hours.
‘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.
Best of the Blogs: The Mates give their verdicts on Joseph, Jesus, Kylie Jenner, Peter Gynt & more
It’s all in a name this week as our editor Lisa Martland picks out her Top Picks from the last week’s theatre in the West End, London Fringe or beyond.
‘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.
‘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.
‘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.
Best of the Blogs: The Mates give their verdicts on Bitter Wheat, Present Laughter, On Your Feet & more
Carrying on a new series, our editor Lisa Martland has picked out her Top Picks from the last week including Anne Cox’s thoughts on Present Laughter, while Aleks Sierz reports from Bitter Wheat.
‘An entertaining delight of a show’: ON YOUR FEET! – West End ★★★★
Overall On Your Feet! is an entertaining delight of a show. The book is hugely lacking but for fans of Gloria Estefan it’s a perfect portrayal of her life and music. Transport yourself to the Miami sun and take a journey through the lives of Gloria and Emilio.
‘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.
‘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.
‘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…