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.
‘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.
‘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.