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.
‘Some scenes are all-out hilarious’: I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE – Lambert Jackson Productions (Online review)
The latest digital show from Lambert Jackson Productions and the London Coliseum is the Off-Broadway hit, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.
‘Quirky, knowing, endearingly awkward, innovative & inventive’: FIRST DATE – Crazy Coqs (Online review)
A Broadway musical turned streamed extravaganza, First Date is a co-production from Lambert Jackson and Crazy Coqs and features an awkward encounter between Jewish Aaron (Simon Lipkin) and agnostic Casey (Samantha Barks).
‘It’s a show that can make you belly laugh one minute & cry the next’: Dean Johnson is busy staging digital production First Date
Director Dean Johnson chats to Emma Clarendon about creating digital theatre and directing a digital production First Date, set to star Samantha Barks and Simon Lipkin.
ALBUM REVIEW: Jon Robyns – Musical Direction
I’ve long admired Jon Robyns and his new album Musical Direction reflects on his career so far beautifully, as well as suggesting what fun lies ahead.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: Ghost Stories at Ambassadors Theatre
We round up the reviews for Andy Nyman and Jeremy Dyson’s Ghost Stories which is back in London in time for Halloween…
‘It is genuinely terrifying’: GHOST STORIES – West End
Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman’s Ghost Stories has been entertaining audiences since 2010 both on the stage and in a 2017 film adaptation and this revival at the Ambassadors Theatre is a welcome return.
Video & transcript: Terri Paddock’s All in a Row post-show discussion
A lot has been said about All in a Row online (especially on Twitter around #puppetgate) – about the play itself, its depiction of autism and its use of a puppet in portraying the non-verbal autistic 11-year-old character. At a post-show forum, Mates co-founder Terri Paddock moderated an event taking the conversation offline.
PHOTOS: All in a Row opens to press at Southwark Playhouse ahead of audience forum
In the face of protests outside and online, All in Row received its world premiere last night at London’s Southwark Playhouse. Theatre critics have started delivering their verdict on the play and production; on Thursday, the public will be able to pose their questions and concerns to the show’s creators. Time to get booking and/or submitting your questions.
‘We romanticise a lot of tough situations’: WATCH All in a Row rehearsal room interviews
All in Row is set on the eve of a couple’s non-verbal autistic son being taken into care. The child is portrayed by a puppet. What was the thinking behind this and other choices in the play? Watch our rehearsal room interviews with the writer, director and cast. Time to get booking!
PHOTOS: Behind the scenes with Charlie Brooks & Simon Lipkin in All in a Row rehearsals
Less than two weeks until Alex Oates’ new play All in Row premieres at London’s Southwark Playhouse. Sneak a peek inside the rehearsal room with stars Charlie Brooks, Simon Lipkin and the company, directed by Dominic Shaw. Time to get booking!
New post-show Q&A: Join Terri for the premiere of Alex Oates All in a Row, starring Charlie Brooks & Simon Lipkin
As part of her ongoing post-show Q&A series, on Thursday 21 February 2019, Mates co-founder Terri Paddock will talk to the creatives behind the world premiere of All in a Row and special guests. Got any questions?
NEWS: Charlie Brooks, Simon Lipkin & Michael Fox star in All in a Row premiere
Charlie Brooks and Simon Lipkin star as parents to an autistic child in Alex Oates’ new play All in Row, which receives its world premiere next month at London’s Southwark Playhouse. Gen up – and then get booking!
NEWS: Nativity! The Musical will return for a third London season in 2019
Nativity! The Musical will be returning to The Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith for a third year, running from 11 to 29 December 2019, with an extra week of performances. Simon Lipkin, who also features in the current movie Nativity Rocks!, will reprise the role of Mr Poppy after successful runs in the show in 2017 and 2018.
‘High-octane, utterly feel-good show’: NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL – Touring ★★★★
All Edinburgh Theatre’s Hugh Simpson went along to the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh to catch Nativity! The Musical.
‘A cheesy, sparkly, feelgood, family show’: NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL – Touring ★★★★★
Parents, if the thought of sitting through yet another (yawn) pantomime this Yule fills you with dread, then I’d recommend the dazzling, cheery musical Nativity! The Musical as an outstanding alternative.
The Show People Podcast: Simon Lipkin has funny bones
In this episode of The Show People Podcast, host Andrew Keates was joined by Simon Lipkin, just before he went into rehearsal for Nativity – The Musical – a show that is led by improvisation and Simon revealed the challenges and freedoms that method of performing can present.
NEWS: Love Island’s Dani Dyer to make stage debut alongside her father in the London run of Nativity! The Musical
Dani Dyer will be joining her father Danny Dyer in Nativity! The Musical this Christmas at the Eventim Apollo, from 19 to 31 December.
NATIVITY! THE MUSICAL – Touring
Nativity remains a beautifully heart-warming story and if anything, has even more of a feelgood factor about it through all the liveness of this production.
NEWS: The Wind in the Willows closes at London Palladium on 2 Sep
West End musical THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS will now end its limited season at the London Palladium on Saturday 2 September 2017.