In our continuing series, our editor Lisa Martland picks out some of her Top Picks from the last week of theatre including Maryam Philpott’s thoughts about Conor McPherson’s emphasis on comedy scenarios and personalities in his adaptation of Chekhov’s timeless play Uncle Vanya at the Harold Pinter Theatre
‘Delights & inspires in equal measure’: EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE – West End ★★★★
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is a show which delights and inspires in equal measure and is sure to retain its spot in theatre lovers’ hearts for the foreseeable future.
Best of the Blogs: Les Misérables, Rags, Lullabies for the Lost & more
In our continuing series, our editor Lisa Martland picks out some of her Top Picks from the last week of theatre (to 19 January 2020), including Aleks Sierz’s view that the new production of Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre is marching on to victory.
‘Gut-wrenchingly funny’: PETER PAN GOES WRONG – Touring ★★★★★
The masters of laughter, Mischief Theatre are back at it again with a gut wrenchingly funny touring version of Peter Pan Goes Wrong, which takes everything theatrical and jumbles it into a mess of impassioned, choreographed mayhem.
‘It’s a life-affirming show’: RAGS – Park Theatre ★★★★
Bronagh Lagan’s production of Rags has heart in spades and provides a real impact through the thoughtful way its themes are tackled.
‘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.
‘Exudes sweetness & glitter’: SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS – Richmond Theatre ★★★★
At Snow White at Richmond Theatre the stars are big and – evident from the multitude of advertising and glitzy theatrical splendour – so is the budget.
‘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.
Best of the Blogs: Dear Evan Hansen, & Juliet, Land Without Dreams & more
In our continuing series, our editor Lisa Martland picks out some of her Top Picks from the last week of theatre including Ben Dowell (for theatreCat) giving his verdict on the much-anticipated arrival of Dear Evan Hansen at the Noel Coward Theatre.
‘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.
‘A feast for the eyes & ears’: MARY POPPINS – West End ★★★
There’s something universally adored about the feel-good story of the Banks family in Mary Poppins, so it’s no surprise that the musical is once again gracing the West End.
Best of the Blogs: The Mates give their verdicts on When The Crows Visit, Different From The Others, On Bear Ridge, Soho Cinders & more
In our continuing series, editor Lisa Martland picks out some of her Top Picks from the last week of theatre (to 3 November 2019). Libby Purves emphasises the significance of Anumpama Chandrasekhar’s new play When The Crows Visit at the Kiln Theatre.
‘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.
‘The entire production feels relatable’: HIGH FIDELITY – Turbine Theatre ★★★★
As the Turbine Theatre’s second production, it’s wonderful to see a musical like High Fidelity which brings to life some of the excellence of this city.
‘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.
Best of the Blogs: The Mates give their verdicts on Noises Off, Translations, [Blank], The Girl Who Fell, Tickle The Musical & more
In our continuing series, our editor Lisa Martland picks out some of her Top Picks from the last week of theatre (to 20 October 2019), ranging from Olivia Mitchell’s thigh-slapping joy on seeing Noises Off to Libby Purves’ plea that we listen to the story being told in [Blank] at the Donmar Warehouse.
‘Complete laugh-out-loud escapism’: NOISES OFF – West End ★★★★
With a heart of gold reminder about professionalism in the arts, Noises Off is a must see production which will surely continue to have audiences gasping for air and slapping their thighs.
‘The show retains its heart wherever it goes’: Calendar Girls The Musical – Touring ★★★★
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.