It’s that time of year again (oh yes it is) where audiences flock to their local theatres to see the seasonal panto, and this year the New Victoria Theatre, Woking are providing the glitziest of night’s out with their version of Cinderella.
‘Definitely a show that’s been revived at the right time’: ORLANDO – Garrick Theatre ★★★★
Thought to be inspired by Virginia Woolf’s romance with Vita Sackville-West, Orlando depicts a boisterous protagonist whose journey spans five centuries and two genders. Its awareness of gender politics and expectations as well as the way is defies them is really something special, and it’s astounding that Woolf wrote such a groundbreaking piece of work in 1928 and that it remains so relevant now.
‘Perfectly packaged Christmas show’: ELF THE MUSICAL – Dominion Theatre ★★★★
If you’re looking for some festive magic this year, look no further than the Dominion Theatre for a gloriously Christmassy, sparkly production of Elf The Musical. Based on the cult classic film, it tells the story of Buddy the Elf who finds out he’s really a human, so makes the journey from the North Pole to New York City to meet his biological father and experience the world. This musical adaptation has all the most iconic parts of the film plus a heap of theatrical magic that makes it the perfect festive treat.
‘Just as magical as ever’: THE NUTCRACKER – Touring ★★★★
The Northern Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker is everything you could want in the lead up to Christmas. Enchantment paired with stellar dancing means you’ll have a captivating time, whether you’re an adult or child.
‘There’s certainly heart to the story’: BUT I’M A CHEERLEADER – Turbine Theatre ★★★
Since its opening in 2019, the Turbine Theatre in Battersea has been a leading player in showcasing new musicals, while providing a safe space to try out modern and exciting work. Their most recent is a musical version of the cult classic film But I’m a Cheerleader. Producer, Paul Taylor-Mills has been championing this show for several years and after personally seeing it as a workshop version at MT Fest, it’s great to see how the musical has developed and progressed to its current form.
‘A treat to see such strong performances’: THE CHER SHOW – Touring ★★★
Turning back time from her Las Vegas residencies, The Cher Show begins in the 1950s with a young Cherilyn Sarkisian who’s longing to be a star, and progresses through her various ventures, successes and failures up to the modern day. Taking on the role of the musical icon, are three superstars who share (cher) the role and show her at various stages of her life. Debbie Kurup plays the Star, Danielle Steers is Lady and Millie O’Connell is the youngest, Baby.
‘You’d have to be a scrooge not to enjoy it’: Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – Touring ★★★★★
Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a staple and rite of passage for many musical theatre fans so when a production is mounted there’s always a ready and willing audience to view it. Thankfully for current audiences, the Palladium production which is currently touring the country is absolutely top notch and a dream night out.
‘Highlights the heartwarming & empowering messages’: Kinky Boots the Musical in Concert – Theatre Royal Drury Lane ★★★★
Kinky Boots the Musical in Concert at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane is a fantastic showcase of a great cast as well as the heartwarming story that works surprisingly well in concert form. I can only imagine how great this ensemble would be in a fully staged production with all the glitz and glam the show deserves.
‘The sumptuous score is showcased to the highest degree’: CHESS THE MUSICAL IN CONCERT – Theatre Royal Drury Lane ★★★★
After the success earlier in the year of Bonnie and Clyde in Concert, the bar has been set rather high for what concert productions at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane can provide, and Chess the Musical in Concert certainly hits the mark.
‘Hurray for new British writing’: MILLENNIALS – The Other Palace ★★★★
There may be a little final sprinkle of fairy dust missing but Millennials at The Other Palace is one of the funnest shows about and it’ll be brilliant to see where it progresses.
‘A lovely production chock-a-block with humour’: MY FAIR LADY – London Coliseum ★★★★
The London Coliseum was packed to the rafters and buzzing to see the long-awaited West End transfer of Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady. Bartlett Sher’s joyous production had a highly acclaimed run on Broadway and has now opened here, with the glorious Amara Okereke in the leading role. A role that seems made for her.
‘It lacks the sparkle you expect’: WE WILL ROCK YOU – Touring ★★★
Back for its 2022 tour, We Will Rock You is set in a dystopian future where “real” music has been outlawed and replaced with manufactured pop. Society is lived online and it’s up to a group of Bohemians to travel across the Seven Seas of Rye, declare themselves the champions and bring back rock and roll and freedom for all.
’It’s the first-rate performances that really bring this show to life’: LIFT – Southwark Playhouse ★★★
Overall, Lift is a well-paced show which lacks real depth and cohesion but is carried exceptionally well by the eight person cast. As a cult favourite, it’s worth catching just for the powerhouse voices and strong visuals.
‘An unmissable piece of theatre’: PRIMA FACIE – Harold Pinter Theatre ★★★★★
In her one-woman West End debut in Prima Facie, Jodie Comer lives up to every expectation and delivers a performance that astounds and stays with you long after the curtain comes down.
‘A high energy, fun night out’: GREASE THE MUSICAL – Dominion Theatre ★★★
It’s a cult classic that’s got the word, got the groove, it’s got meaning, and in its current West End run at the Dominion Theatre, Grease provides a high energy, fun night out that’ll have you feeling good and tapping your toes.
‘A kaleidoscope of colour & dance’: Matthew Bourne’s NUTCRACKER – Touring ★★★★★
The Nutcracker Suite is an old and much-beloved family Christmas favourite. Matthew Bourne’s version, however, is a somewhat different take on the classic.
‘A dynamic production packed full of colour, texture & noise’: ZORRO – Charing Cross Theatre ★★★★★
Set to a legendary soundtrack by the Gipsy Kings, this sizzling show follows the mysterious masked vigilante El Zorro in his efforts to defend the Pueblo of Los Angeles from a ruthless autocratic leader.
‘A thoroughly entertaining night out’: SCHOOL OF ROCK – Touring ★★★★
School of Rock (Tour)New Wimbledon TheatreReviewed on Monday 21st March 2022★★★★★Most people know and love the hit 2003 film School of Rock. With Jack Black’s iconic comedy, incredibly catchy tunes and a true rock soul it became an instant classic. For…
‘A musical that inspires us all to own what makes us different’: EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE – Touring ★★★★
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is fast becoming a staple piece of theatre in the UK and indeed across the world.
‘A fast-footed feast that’s full of charm & keeps its wow factor’: SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN – Touring ★★★★
It’s been 10 years since Jonathan Church’s stage version of Singin’ in the Rain was brought to life at the Chichester Festival theatre, showering the front rows during the title number and delighting audiences with its sheer spectacle.