This is a smart and thoughtful interpretation of South Pacific that takes carefully considered approach to some of the problems in the scenario without fully absolving the characters for their behaviour and choices. Managing to balance the sparkle of the big set-pieces and the not so charming effects of military occupation with some serious emotional clout that will leave you wrung through at the end, this sets the standard against which future productions will be judged. With a UK tour running until November, Bali Ha’i is calling you, don’t resist.
NEWS: Watch Amy Manford singing the new single from original musical Jason & the Golden Fleece
The creators of Jason and the Golden Fleece, the epic new musical based on the Greek myth, have released a single, ‘For Evermore’, featuring Australian singer Amy Manford, previous leading lady of The Phantom of the Opera West End. The track is available worldwide across all streaming platforms from 11 June 2021.
Being in the room where it happens: How quickly are theatre audiences going to return?
As theatre next week starts to finally edge cautiously out of a full lockdown of over five full months, plus only very intermittent appearances in the nine months before that, the question arises will the audiences be there for it?
Returning & new productions heading for the West End & beyond post-lockdown: Are you up to date?
Meanwhile, I want to start keeping track of the shows that are coming back, or are newly being announced, in a new feature here that will be updated weekly until such time as it becomes a reality, and from then on will provide a weekly update to that week’s openings and future ones.
Mark Shenton looks to the future with his pick of the next generation of rising stars
In four previous episodes of my weekly #ShenTens podcast, and their accompanying columns here, I’ve chosen my top ten favourite leading ladies and leading men respectively in both Broadway and West End musicals. Now I turn to rising stars — the next generation of performers who are already making their mark in London. (I’ll get to Broadway when it returns to business itself).
‘I was happy to give it a whirl’: The Theatre Channel – Episode Three (Online review)
Exploring the world of rock musicals, Episode 3 of The Theatre Channel features Alex Gaumond, Shan Ako, John Owen-Jones, Francesca Jackson, Aisha Jawando and Rob Houchen.
NEWS: Run of Les Misérables – The Staged Concert is extended due to latest Government restrictions on seating capacity
The run of Les Misérables –The Staged Concert at London’s Sondheim Theatre has been extended to 28 February 2021, with performances beginning on 5 December.
‘Has become more cinematic with each episode’: The Theatre Channel – Episode Three (Online review)
Filmed inside The Theatre Cafe and out and about, this latest episode of The Theatre Channel’s series of musical theatre showcases features songs from rock musicals.
’An unalloyed pleasure’: MARRY ME A LITTLE – Barn Theatre, Cirencester (Online review)
Rob Houchen and Celinde Schoenmaker star in a beautifully sung, beautifully filmed digital version of Sondheim’s revue Marry Me A Little for the Barn Theatre.
CD Review: Mazz Murray – Midnight Mazz – Here We Go Again / Mascherato the Musical / Howard Goodall’s Songs from the Musicals Vol 1
This set of album reviews covers Mazz Murray – Midnight Mazz – Here We Go Again, Mascherato the Musical (Original Studio Cast Recording) and Howard Goodall’s Songs from the Musicals Vol. 1.
‘There are some really spectacular performances’: Les Miserables – The Staged Concert ★★★★ (Online review)
This glorious and musically powerful staged concert version of the beloved musical manages to maintain the drama.
What am I missing? 8 musicals where I just didn’t get the hype
For every person who is a major fan of a show, there is someone on the other end of the spectrum who doesn’t like it. What would be the fun if we all liked the same things?!
‘The top-notch cast sing as if it’s the first time they’re hearing the music’: Les Misérables – The Staged Concert (Online review)
Les Misérables – The Staged Concert is released on digital download, along with a bonus featurette which is highly amusing.
NEWS: Cameron Mackintosh releases digital download of Les Miserables concert to raise funds for Covid charities
Cameron Mackintosh has announced the debut of the hugely successful Les Misérables -The Staged Concert on digital download in the UK and Australia, which will also raise much-needed funds for performers, musicians and the NHS.
NEWS: Sherlock creators Steven Moffat & Mark Gatiss collaborate in Chichester Festival Season packed with world premieres
World premieres in Chichester Festival Theatre’s Festival 2020 include first plays by Steven Moffat and Kate Mosse and new work by Suhayla El-Bushra and Christopher Shinn.
‘Will be long remembered’: LES MISERABLES – THE STAGED CONCERT – West End
Like its predecessors, 2019’s Les Misérables: The Staged Concert will be long remembered as another notable event in the musical’s performance history, heralding the return of Michael Ball to a show he helped to establish, but this time in the role of Javert.
NEWS: Final casting announced for Les Misérables – The Staged Concert
As rehearsals begin for Les Misérables – The Staged Concert, it has been announced that Shan Ako and Lily Kerhoas will complete the principal casting as Éponine and Cosette respectively.
‘Performances are wonderful all round’: THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA – Royal Festival Hall
The orchestra, along with the actors and fantastic creative team, create an atmosphere that will leave you longing for your own Italian holiday romance in Light in the Piazza.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: Light in the Piazza at the Royal Festival Hall
Love London Love Culture rounds up the reviews for the UK premiere of Adam Guettel and Craig Lucas’ musical Light in the Piazza.
‘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.
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