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.
‘I get to pretend to be a pop star’: Vicki Manser on bringing herstory to life in Six The Musical
Vicki Manser told us about Six the Musical, who she’d like to play her in her own pop concert musical and what she’d say to Henry VIII if she got the chance…
NEWS: Plans announced for Six The Musical UK tour
Five-time Olivier Award nominee and West End hit Six The Musical, written by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, is heading off on a nine-month tour visiting theatres later this year, opening at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford on 24 October 2019.
NEWS: Performers & presenters are announced for the Olivier Awards 2019
Full details of presenters, performances and special appearances have been announced for the Olivier Awards 2019 with Mastercard, which takes place on Sunday 7 April at the Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Jason Manford.
‘Could use a dose of Emilia’s fiery rage’: SIX – Arts Theatre
I can’t begrudge anyone their enjoyment of Six, a fast-paced display of talented women – I enjoyed it, too. However – rather like the history it’s trying to tell – such awesome performers deserve a much better frame for showing what they’re capable of.
‘Something truly special’: SIX – Arts Theatre ★★★★★(★)
A brief but hugely memorable history lesson awaits you at the Arts Theatre. Sexy, sassy, sensational, seductive, stunning and superb, are just Six ways that you can describe this show and its awesome cast.
‘Upholds the notion of women supporting women’: SIX – Arts Theatre ★★★★★(★)
This week the 2019 Olivier Awards nominations were announced and Six is up for five. For a show which started as a university project, it’s pretty amazing and inspiring that Six is reaching such levels of stardom, and rightly so.
NEWS: Company, Come From Away & The Inheritance top the Olivier Awards 2019 nominations
Musicals Company and Come From Away top the Olivier Awards 2019 nominations with nine nods each, while The Inheritance is the most recognised play with eight nominations. The ceremony takes place on Sunday 7 April at the Royal Albert Hall, hosted by Jason Manford.
Olivia’s Top 10 Shows of 2018
This year has been a whirlwind year full of amazing theatre. I was lucky enough to see a total of 150 shows so whittling them down to a top 10 was extremely difficult. Although this list is in order, I really loved each of them equally as they all moved me in a particular way and provided some theatrical treats.
NEWS: Final casting is announced for the return of Six to the West End in 2019
Final casting is announced today for the return of Six, the hit musical by recent Cambridge grads Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss. The show returns to the West End’s Arts Theatre, where it ran for a short sold-out season in 2018, in January next year.