Regular readers will know that I like nothing more than seeing shows I’ve already seen and loved again… and again. As a critic, you see shows under specific circumstances — as invited by the production.
As restrictions lift, Mark Shenton offers a comprehensive update on opening nights in London & across the UK
This weekly column keeps track of the shows that are coming back, or are newly being announced, as theatres start reopening from tonight (17 May) in London and at other theatres in the UK.
NEWS: English theatres will reopen their doors from 17 May 2021
English theatres will finally be able to reopen their doors from next week after the Government today confirmed the next stage of its post lockdown roadmap will begin on 17 May 2021.
Mark Shenton’s weekly chart of forthcoming theatrical comings & goings has some new entries
This weekly column keeps track of the shows that are coming back, or are newly being announced, as theatres prepare to re-open from next month onwards. It 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.
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.
Giving our regards to Broadway 12 months after shutdown
Tonight is the first anniversary of the last performances that were given on a Broadway stage; a year ago tomorrow, Six was due to open on Broadway, but that afternoon the governor of New York State, the currently beleaguered Andrew Cuomo, announced that public gatherings of more than 500 people would be immediately suspended.
NEWS: Date set in May for the return of the West End production of hit musical Six
Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss’ West End musical phenomenon Six will reopen at London’s Lyric Theatre on 21 May 2021, booking until 22 August. With social distancing at indoor venues expected to remain in place until 21 June at the earliest, the theatre will initially operate at the same 50% capacity as December 2020 before the current national lockdown.
‘A must-watch to get your musical theatre fix’: WEST END MUSICAL DRIVE-IN – Stream.Theatre (Online review) ★★★★
The second in the West End Musical Drive-In series has launched online and is a must-watch for any fans of the hit musical Six! The show sees 11 past and present Six cast members reunite for an entertaining outdoor concert.
As commercial producers yearn for a return to normal, will subsidised theatre play it safe or break the mould?
Some commercial producers, it appears, wanted the old order to be restored and business to proceed as normal, hence the rush to re-open as quickly as it was legally possible to do so back in November after we emerged from the second lockdown.
‘I wouldn’t count on us being safe until the summer at the earliest’: Mark Shenton shares his thoughts with a new daily blog for 2021
One of my new year resolutions — and one I intend to keep — is to revitalise this personal website ShentonStage as my primary editorial home this year.
NEWS: Coronavirus rules mean return to theatre lockdowns across UK
Scores of productions devised to comply with social distancing have become casualties of the national lockdown that will run for one month from 5 November to 2 December 2020 in response to the continuing Coronavirus crisis.
NEWS: See It Safely toolkit is launched to support theatres & bolster audience confidence
The Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre have launched a new scheme called See It Safely, to support venues as they navigate the challenges of reopening, and to give audiences the confidence that venues are consistent in their approach and implementation of the latest guidelines.
‘At the darkest moments I have to believe there is a future for our industry’: Why the arts are viable
At the darkest moments I have to believe there is a future for our industry. I have to believe we will defy our government and prove to be viable. I absolutely believe the way that this will happen is through the invention and enterprising energy of creative producers making stuff happen.
NEWS: Six producers announce that it will be the first West End musical to reopen since lockdown
Smash hit musical Six by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss will become the first West End musical to resume performances in a West End theatre when the show temporarily moves from its home at the Arts Theatre to the Lyric on Shaftesbury Avenue for a limited 11-week run, running from 14 November 2020 to 31 January 2021.
NEWS: Local lockdown unease leads to Six drive-in UK tour being cancelled
The drive-in tour of the hit musical Six, due to be performed across the UK in August and September 2020, has been cancelled due to concerns about local lockdowns.
‘Enough energy to light Hampton Court for 500 years’: SIX THE MUSICAL – Touring ★★★★
You’ll lose your head over Six The Musical, which is bringing a new audience to the Festival Theatre just a week ahead of the show’s Broadway debut.
‘At the cutting edge of the zeitgeist’: SIX THE MUSICAL – Touring
As well as providing a welcome opportunity for performers to really cut loose, Six also – sadly – remains at the cutting edge of the zeitgeist.
NEWS: Six stars & Matthew Broderick amongst The Stage Debut Awards nominations
The Stage today (8 August 2019) announces the shortlist for The Stage Debut Awards 2019. The awards, now in their third year and presented in association with Access Entertainment, celebrate the best breakthrough talent in theatre, from actors and directors to designers, writers, composers and lyricists, all of whom have made their professional debuts in the past year.
NEWS: British hit musical Six announces its Broadway transfer
The West End musical phenomenon Six by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss will open in New York at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on 12 March 2020. Performances will begin on 13 February 2020.
NEWS: Four new Queens will join the West End production of Six as run is extended by six months
Hit musical Six has announced a new six-month West End booking period, running to 5 July 2020, plus there is news of four new Queens joining the line-up for the London production.