In a free-for-all age of journalism, the currency of individual theatre reviews matter a lot less than they used to; all a theatre PR wants is a spread of five-star reviews, and they’re easier to summon than ever if you don’t look too closely which publications they come from. The general public won’t notice the difference, so its a bluff that often works.
‘A delight to watch from start to finish’: NUTCRACKER DELIGHTS – English National Ballet (Online review) ★★★★★
Having had its run of live performances cut short, thank goodness the English National Ballet recorded Nutcracker Delights, this gorgeous scaled back treat for audiences to enjoy at home.
‘Delivers both smiles & retrospection’: WE NEED A LITTLE CHRISTMAS (Online review)
Directed by Michael Strassen and produced by Ginger Quiff Media and Guy Chapman, We Need a Little Christmas from St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden is a hearty bowl of punch you will not want to miss.
‘Irreverent, silly, satirical & fun, fun, fun’: LA CAGE AUX FOLLES [THE PLAY] – Park Theatre
Based on Simon Callow’s English translation, this version of La Cage aux Folles stays true to the original French text. Callow’s edits and new dialogue has given us a fresh interpretation which is arch and bubbling with hilariously sharp one-liners.
NEWS: Miriam Margolyes, Tracy-Ann Oberman & Meaghan Martin line up for new Park Theatre season
Park Theatre has announced its new July to December 2019 season. Featuring four world premiere productions, two UK and London premieres and a range of revivals from Broadway and the West End and featuring Miriam Margolyes, Tracy-Ann Oberman and Meaghan Martin.
‘I do hope people will come & enjoy’: Gillian Anderson & a stellar line-up raise funds for Park Theatre with unrehearsed Whodunnit
The Park Theatre has revealed initial star casting for world premiere murder mystery Whodunnit [Unrehearsed], presented in association with Avalon, which runs in London in July before transferring to the Edinburgh Fringe.
‘Touching, funny & heart-rending’: A SONG AT TWILIGHT – Touring ★★★★
Noël Coward’s A Song at Twilight may be billed as a comedy but this story of one man’s fear of mortality and exposure, is tinged with tragedy. The Theatre Royal Bath’s polished production, which is currently touring the UK, glories in Simon Callow’s exquisite enunciation.
‘Flawless & unique’: A CHRISTMAS CAROL – Arts Theatre ★★★★★
Simon Callow’s telling of A Christmas Carol at the Arts Theatre is theatrical perfection. A solo performance, aided only by subtly ingenious projections and the occasional, immaculately timed sound effect, sees Callow deliver Dickens’ classic festive fable in an 80-minute acting masterclass.
‘If anything the sincerity has deepened’: A CHRISTMAS CAROL – Arts Theatre ★★★★★
Has the performance of A Christmas Carol, and Simon Callow, changed over the years? Probably, but not from ego or bravura, no cheap tricks, no knowing modernities: if anything the sincerity has deepened.
Looking for some alternative festive fare? Debbie has some recommendations…
As you know, Mind the Blog is a Panto-Free Zone – but what if you want to find some alternative festive fare? Whether it’s family fun or something a little more grown-up, we have a selection of seasonal offerings (old and new) that might be of use to you.
NEWS: Simon Callow’s one-man show A Christmas Carol returns to the West End in December
The traditional Christmas staple of Charles Dickens’ much-loved A Christmas Carol returns this festive season to the West End stage starring Simon Callow, running at the Arts Theatre for a strictly limited season from 8 December 2018 to 12 January 2019.
Mark Shenton views the latest week of news & openings in the West End, across the UK & in New York
News, reviews, controversies and commentary from the West End and Broadway, including the first West End job share and the re-opening of the Kiln Theatre (formerly the Tricycle).
Mind the Blog’s Christmas Carol recap
Kicking off my challenge was the Old Vic’s production, which I’ve seen four times (and by some bizarre providence I managed to see each actor playing Tiny Tim).
ALBUM REVIEW: A Christmas Carol (narrated by Simon Callow)
Simon Callow has joined forces with the celebrated Brighouse and Rastrick Band; the double album features the five-stave narration (backed by the band) on one disc, with the full versions of the carols played featuring on the second CD.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL – Old Vic Theatre ❄❄❄❄❄
Despite our typical view of the Victorians being highly conservative in every aspect of their lives, the young queen was relatively liberal – and A Christmas Carol is almost surprisingly socialist. And it’s this that Jack Thorne seems to have really played upon when adapting it for this brand new stage production.
ALBUM REVIEW: A Christmas Carol (narrated by Simon Callow) ★★★★
Much like a luxuriously fruited and brandy drenched Christmas pudding, Simon Callow’s voice (surely a national treasure in itself) serves up the festive fable in a recording that lasts a touch longer than the hour.
NEWS: Simon Callow performs De Profundis in West End’s Oscar Wilde season, TICKETS ONSALE
Simon Callow will perform Frank McGuinness’s new stage adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s De Profundis at the West End’s Vaudeville Theatre for a limited run of just six performances from 3 to 6 January 2018. Tickets are now on sale.
THE PHILANTHOPIST – Trafalgar Studios
Written by Christopher Hampton in 1970, The Philanthropist was conceived as a response to Molière’s The Misanthrope, it’s the lead character’s unflappable amiability that causes havoc around him here.
THE PHILANTHOPIST – Trafalgar Studios
Written by Christopher Hampton in 1970, The Philanthropist was conceived as a response to Molière’s The Misanthrope, it’s the lead character’s unflappable amiability that causes havoc around him here.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: The Philanthropist at Trafalgar Studios
Simon Callow directs Matt Berry, Simon Bird, Lily Cole, Charlotte Ritchie, Tom Rosenthal in this revival of Christopher Hampton’s play. But what have critics been making of the production?
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