It is the original postwar Germany and Austria into which Stuart Paterson’s book for new musical Identical takes us in a fresh, bouncy Stiles and Drewe musical. Auditions of hundred pairs of identical twins found three: on press night Eden and Emme Patrick proved faultless in a complicated, sometimes emotionally intense performance, first disliking one another on sight and then rapturously realising their sisterhood; they are playfully natural and assured, rarely offstage for long
Mark Shenton bemoans the lack of British songwriters in Radio 2’s forthcoming musicals celebration
Radio 2’s Greatest Show could — and should — have been a platform to celebrate more British musicals, especially here, especially now, with the industry floundering so badly. A show of support for our own creators of new musicals would not have gone amiss.
‘Pure entertainment with a soundtrack worth replaying’: SOHO CINDERS – Charing Cross Theatre
It’s a breath of fresh air to see the representation of sexuality and equality presented in Soho Cinders which is also fun and full of brilliant vocal moments and silly, sexy one-liners.
‘A riot of good cheer & some quite breathtaking stagecraft’: MARY POPPINS – West End ★★★★★
Mary Poppins is as supercalifragilisticexpialidocious as one can hope, a riot of good cheer, fun, excellent signing and some quite breathtaking stagecraft.
‘The cast can certainly sing’: SOHO CINDERS – Charing Cross Theatre
With a few modern updates, this new interpretation of the Cinderella story in Soho Cinders boasts several top notch musical theatre ballads.
‘A naughty, feel-good & fun show’: SOHO CINDERS – Charing Cross Theatre
Will Keith’s production of Soho Cinders brings out the emotional heart of the piece, while also celebrating the comedy and spectacle.
‘Certainly turns the classic tale on its head’: SOHO CINDERS – Charing Cross Theatre ★★★
Soho Cinders isn’t life-changing but it allows us to experience tongue-in-cheek, energetic performances which will entertain for the duration of the show.
‘It honestly had me hooked by the first scene’: Millie O’Connell swaps Six for Soho Cinders
Actress Millie O’Connell chatted to us about Soho Cinders at the Charing Cross Theatre.
NEWS: Mary Poppins returns to the West End in autumn 2019 starring Zizi Strallen & Charlie Stemp
The internationally award-winning production of Mary Poppins will return to its original West End home at the Prince Edward Theatre where, after three hit years in London, Disney’s Aladdin will end its run late August 2019.
The Show People Podcast: Scott Garnham is too working class (1st Birthday Episode)
The Show People Podcast is one year old! That’s right The Show People Podcast celebrates one year of bringing you special theatre guests every fortnight and shining a spotlight on the UK performing arts and joining host Andrew Keates this time is Scott Garnham.
The Show People Podcast: Julie Atherton on becoming a director & empowering the next generation
In this episode of The Show People Podcast, host Andrew Keates is joined by Julie Atherton, shortly after completing the West End run of The Grinning Man at Trafalgar Studios.
The Wind in the Willows, London Palladium | Review
The Wind in the Willows is a perfectly fun, family show. It’s not a theatrical masterpiece but it’s a cute, heartwarming fable that’s sweet enough for both children and adults to enjoy.
NEWS: Amazing line-up for Songs and Solidarity, a West End fundraiser for Grenfell Tower fire
The tragedy of the Grenfell Tower fire was a devastating loss but a small mercy has been the way in which so many have responded in offering various means of help and support. Adding to this remarkable group are Giles Terera and Danielle Tarento, who have combined forces to speedily put together Songs and Solidarity – a West End fundraising gala evening of song, dance and comedy for the hundreds of families made homeless and the relatives of those who lost their lives in the Grenfell Tower fire.
NEWS: Union presents 20th anniversary revival of Stiles & Drewe’s Honk!
This Easter, Stiles & Drewe’s HONK! the musical returns to London in a brand-new, actor-musician, 20th anniversary production, which will run at the Union Theatre from 29 March 2017.
THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS – Touring & West End
The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Graeme’s beloved family tale of the riverbank has delighted readers young and old for over a century. The story of Ratty, Mole and the severe Mr Badger and their mission to save the notorious Mr Toad from himself is a timeless classic enjoyed by all.
THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS – Touring & West End
Kenneth Grahame’s story of Ratty, Mole, Badger and the irrepressible Toad have been a favourite of many for longer than they can remember – I grew up delighting in the stop-motion version and have long been a staple for adaptation on both stage and screen, Grahame’s skilful evocation of a pastoral England that no longer exists (and may never have) is infinitely comforting and inviting.
NEWS: Full Wind in the Willows premiere cast announced as rehearsals begin
The full cast for the new musical of The Wind in the Willows has been announced. They join leads Rufus Hound as the lovable menace Mr Toad, David Birrell as Badger, Fra Fee as Mole, Thomas Howes as Ratty, Neil McDermott as Chief Weasel and Sophia Nomvete as Mrs Otter.
NEWS: The Wind in the Willows holds open auditions ahead of Oct premiere
The highly-anticipated major new musical theatre adaptation of THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS will hold open auditions this month, ahead of its world premiere in Autumn 2016. Auditions will be held at The Lowry in Salford on 22 April and at Rambert in London on 23 April. Adapted for the stage by Julian Fellowes, George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS will open at the Theatre Royal in Plymouth from 8 October 2016, followed by The Lowry in Salford and Mayflower Theatre in Southampton.
NEWS: Two new Stiles & Drewe musicals & Hugh Bonneville feature in Chichester 2016 Festival
Jonathan Church and Alan Finch announce the Chichester Festival Theatre 2016 season – the last under their leadership as Artistic Director and Executive Director.