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.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: Rags the Musical at Park Theatre
We round up the reviews for Bronagh Lagan’s production of Rags which transfers to the Park Theatre following a run at the Hope Mill theatre last year.
‘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.
‘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 triumph of storytelling’: SHACKLETON & HIS STOWAWAY – Park Theatre ★★★★
Shackleton and His Stowaway is an evocative account of ridiculous bravery and comradeship and a fascinating and thrilling tribute to these extraordinary men.
Love London Love Culture presents her shows of the week
Here’s a guide to some of the shows that you might want to book tickets for in the week beginning 13 January 2020.
‘Atmospheric & imaginatively presented’: SHACKLETON & HIS STOWAWAY – Park Theatre ★★★
Andy Dickinson’s play based on the true events of Shackleton’s 1914-1917 Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition is wonderfully presented but is lacking in purpose to be completely satisfying. A story of courage, survival and endurance, there is much to amaze in this recounting of Ernest Shackleton’s Imperial Trans-Atlantic Expedition. Vividly described through the poetic language used effectively… Read More
‘A lovely revival’: MARTHA, JOSIE & THE CHINESE ELVIS – Park Theatre
Martha, Josie and the Chinese Elvis at the Park Theatre is a lively revival of Charlotte Jones’ quirky and hugely enjoyable 1999 play about parenting and life on immoral earnings.
New post-show Q&A: Join Terri for the UK premiere of award-winning Never Not Once
As part of her ongoing post-show Q&A series, Mates co-founder Terri Paddock returns to the Park Theatre for startling new American play Never Not Once. Got any questions?
‘Its subjects are extremely relevant to today’: Carolyn Maitland stars in Rags The Musical at the Park Theatre
Actress Carolyn Maitland chatted to Emma Clarendon about starring in Rags The Musical at the Park Theatre.
FEATURED SHOW: The reviews are in for ★★★★★ hit Martha, Josie and the Chinese Elvis
“Delightfully amusing”, “brilliantly written” and “deeply moving” – critics have fallen back in love with Charlotte Jones’ award-winning comedy Martha, Josie and the Chinese Elvis. Check our some of our favourite reviews, then book your tickets.
New post-show Q&A: Join Terri & the cast for Stephen Schwartz’s Rags The Musical
As part of her ongoing post-show talk series, Mates co-founder Terri Paddock returns to the Park Theatre for Aria Entertainment’s Hope Mill Theatre transfer of Stephen Schwartz’s RAGS The Musical. Got any questions?
FIRST LOOK: Check out the fabulous new production images for Martha, Josie and the Chinese Elvis
Leopard print, rubber gloves and an Elvis impersonator; sounds like my kind of party! Take a look at the first images of Signal Theatre Company’s revival of Charlotte Jones’ award-winning comedy Martha, Josie and the Chinese Elvis, then book your tickets.
‘Warm & entertaining production’: THE SNOW QUEEN – Park Theatre ★★★★
While the theatre world is currently excited about the casting of Elsa in Frozen the musical in London next year, the Park Theatre is celebrating the original Snow Queen with its Christmas production.
NEWS: Full cast is announced for Rags The Musical at the Park Theatre
Carolyn Maitland, Dave Willetts and Sam Attwater will star as Rebecca, Avram and Bronfman respectively in RAGS The Musical at London’s Park Theatre. The show will run for a limited season from 9 January to 8 February 2020, with a press night on 14 January.
‘We like our plays to have a heart & that heart is often bittersweet’: Kellie Batchelor stars in Martha, Josie & the Chinese Elvis at the Park Theatre
Actress Kellie Batchelor chatted to Emma Clarendon about starring in Martha, Josie and the Chinese Elvis.
“A play that’s about accepting people for who they are… seems more relevant than ever” Robert Wolstenholme on Martha, Josie & the Chinese Elvis
Acceptance, laughter and falling in snowdrifts – director Robert Wolstenholme tells us about staging Charlotte Jones’ award-winning comedy, Martha, Josie and the Chinese Elvis, at Park Theatre this Christmas. Read what he tells us, then book your tickets.
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.
Text of the Day: Sydney & The Old Girl
Random and topical thoughts and quotes gathered by My Theatre Mates contributor Aleks Sierz, first published on www.sierz.co.uk.
BEHIND THE SCENES: Take a peek at a very unusual party with rehearsal images for Martha, Josie and the Chinese Elvis
It’s officially party season, but the gathering in Charlotte Jones’ award-winning comedy Martha, Josie and the Chinese Elvis is a little different. Take a look at the party preparations with our rehearsal gallery, then book your tickets.