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.
‘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.
‘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.
‘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.