There is nothing that will prepare you for The Book Of Mormon, famously created (book, music and lyrics) by the minds behind South Park. Without knowledge of the plot, there is an expectation that Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone will test limits, challenge establish thoughts and push the boundaries. The atmosphere at the Empire Theatre was spellbinding and the weight of expectations huge – and this production did not disappoint.
‘This show is a true testament to all cast & creatives’: THE BOOK OF MORMON – Touring ★★★★★
We join Elders Price and Cunningham (Robert Colvin and Connor Peirson) as they try to speak to a tribe in Uganda and preach to them the word of God – the Book of Mormon.
‘I can’t help but ask: is this humour we still want or need in theatre?’ THE BOOK OF MORMON – Touring
I want to start by saying how happy I am to be back reviewing musical theatre. How happy I am the big tours are back and how overjoyed I was to be back in my home turf of the Wales Millennium reviewing a show.
From Cinderella to the Court: Mark Shenton reflects on another eventful week in the theatre calendar
The week began with Andrew Lloyd Webber being mentioned by Boris Johnson, as he extended the lockdown from the originally hoped-for ‘Freedom Day’ of 21 June to 19 July, at which point theatres may be able to reopen without social distancing in place;
Now & forever? What is the legacy of Cats 40 years on?
There’s hardly a more insistent ear worm of a song in all of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ear-wormy repertoire than ‘Memory’, the breakout hit of his 1981 musical Cats, which last night celebrated the 40th anniversary of its premiere at the then New London Theatre (now itself renamed for Gillian Lynne, the choreographer whose work on the show ignited a revolution in global musical theatre, and accidentally created the West End’s first authentic dance-based musical).
‘Get a ticket while you can’: THE BOOK OF MORMON –Touring ★★★★★
Yes, The Book of Mormon is offensive with its liberal use of the swear words and the poking fun at religion, Aids and poverty is probably not for the easily offended. But it’s incredibly funny and one of the best musical scores around.
‘Delivers on so many levels’: THE BOOK OF MORMON – Sydney, Australia ★★★★
Wickedly witty, The Book of Mormon pokes fun at the seemingly un-pokeable and ultimately manages to leave the audience with the cheerfully uncomfortable warm fuzzies. It’s also fantastic to see homegrown Australian talent holding their own (and killing it) alongside the Broadway greats.
What to see in in 2018
Well, we’re all still here… The big red button hasn’t been pushed yet and theatre is better than ever! But what’s coming up this year?
INTERVIEW: Spotlight On… Jesus Christ Superstar’s Tyrone Huntley
Tyrone Huntley has the voice of an angel and supreme acting skills. He’s just finished starring as CC in Dreamgirls and is currently in rehearsals to reprise the role of Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar at the Regent’s Park Open Air theatre later this summer.
NEWS: The Book of Mormon extends West End booking to May
Hugely popular Broadway musical THE BOOK OF MORMON is now booking at the West End’s Prince of Wales Theatre until 27 May 2017, it has been confirmed.
FROM DOWN UNDER: The Book of Mormon
Australia finally has the chance to say Hello! to The Book of Mormon, and this sparkling production has been well worth the wait.
TICKETS: Mark’s Top Ten recommendations this week (20 June)
In Mark Shenton’s regularly updated list of top ten ticket recommendations, new entries this week include The Spoils, Blue/Orange, The Deep Blue Sea and The Go-Between.
NEWS: The Book of Mormon extends booking til 17 Sep in West End
The hit musical comedy The Book of Mormon has extended its booking period until 17 September 2016. This Olivier and Tony Award-winning production originally opened at the Prince of Wales Theatre in 2013, receiving positive reviews from critics and audiences to ensure that it has lasted in the West End for the past three years.
TICKETS: Mark’s Top Ten recommendations this week (30 May)
New entries this week are The Invisible Hand at the Tricycle Theatre and The 3 Penny Opera at the Natonal, and its the last chance to see Les Blancs, The Flick and People, Places and Things
TICKETS: Mark’s Top Ten recommendations this week (9 May)
New entries this week are the return of Funny Girl, transferred from the Menier to the Savoy, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Globe.
TICKETS: Mark’s Top Ten recommendations this week (26 Apr)
The night after opening in the West End, Daniel Evans Sheffield Crucible production of Show Boat shoots straight into the top slot of Mark Shenton’s regularly updated list of top ten ticket recommendations. What are the other risers and fallers. Follow links to book tickets.
TICKETS: Mark’s Top Ten recommendations this week (12 Apr)
New entries this week in Mark Shenton’s Top Ten recommendations are Les Blancs at the National and How the Other Half Loves in the West End. Get tickets for all ten shows here.
Diary of a Theatre Addict: Maggie Smith and me – and sharing a hip surgeon!
I’ve seen twenty shows in the last three weeks, including a welcome return visit to The Book of Mormon – and also discovered that Maggie Smith and I share a hip replacement surgeon!
TICKETS: Mark’s Top Ten recommendations + this week’s openings (28 Mar)
After re-visiting The Book of Mormon, it makes it into this week’s Top Ten; so does People, Places and Things, newly transferred from the National to the West End. Plus, this week’s openings and other recommendations.
Spoiler alert: My favourite Forbidden Broadway spoofs
Forbidden Broadway was just what the doctor ordered for me the other night – I haven’t laughed so hard in ages. The renowned Broadway institution (going since 1982) has been slightly Anglicised and specially tailored for the West End in 2014 – Cameron Mackintosh, Elaine Paige, Robert Lindsay and revivals of Evita and Cats be warned (you’re […]
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