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…
‘Lucie Jones is second to none’: WAITRESS – West End ★★★★
Three new cast members have joined the Waitress diner at the Adelphi Theatre to form the second West End cast.
‘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.
‘A highly recommended piece of viewing for all’: AFTERGLOW – Southwark Playhouse ★★★★
Afterglow is ‘The little play that could’. After its impressive Off-Broadway run of 14 months and 467 performances, it has made its way across the pond to the Southwark Playhouse, a theatre synonymous with fantastic shows.
‘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.
‘The spectacular dancers fizzle with precision & energy’: The Firebird / A Month in the Country / Symphony in C – Royal Opera House ★★★★
The Royal Ballet is wrapping its summer season up with a trio of delightful works by three of the greatest choreographers: The Firebird / A Month in the Country / Symphony in C at the Royal Opera House.
‘Utterly wrapped up in this glorious production’: TOSCA – Royal Opera House ★★★★★
Jonathan Kent’s production of Tosca is a must-see and is a perfect introduction to the drama and beauty of opera.
‘Inventive & entertaining treat’: HENRY V – Cirencester ★★★★
The Barn Theatre’s Henry V is an inventive and entertaining treat. A strong, well directed cast bring a classic to life with a verve and energy that should be seen and appreciated.