My favourite moments of the shows that I saw in 2016 are below and include performances from across the UK, together with the USA and also Europe. Theatre, cabaret, dance and concert performances are all included and there’s no ranking.
Year in Review: Helen McWilliams’ Top 5 Off-West End productions of 2016
2016 has been the year that Break A Leg has been out and about seeing what London’s Off-West End productions and theatres have to offer. I have adored going to see new spaces, places and faces – it’s been aces! So, without further ado… here are my top five choices from among the many I have had the pleasure of reviewing.
My musicals diary: Jesus Christ Superstar, The Go-Between, The Fix
July was a big month for Q&As for me so I’ve been a little pre-occupied by follow-up blogs on those. But in addition to musicals I’ve hosted events at – I’m Getting My Act Together and Through the Mill, both of which have now completed their strictly limited runs at, respectively, Jermyn Street Theatre and Southwark Playhouse – here are three more musicals I’ve seen recently and can recommend.
INTERVIEW: Spotlight On… The Fix’s Ken Christiansen
I’m very new to the musical theatre world, I cut my teeth within classical theatre, I trained at the Drama Centre in London where musical theatre is mostly frowned upon. For years I secretly harboured a desire to sing and entertain, so to get this opportunity is a blessing.
INTERVIEW: Spotlight On… The Fix actor Lucy Williamson
Taking on the role of Violet Chandler in The Fix has been a challenge for her, but it’s one she’s embraced and it’s led her to a nomination for an Offie award. I caught up with Lucy while she was metamorphosing into the musical’s determined widow!
THE FIX – Union Theatre
In a plot which is The West Wing: The Musical before the interval, and The Sopranos after, his Jackie Kennedy-esque widow (scenery chewing fun and tiptop vocals from Lucy Williamson) shifts her manipulative sights to her son, Fra Fee.
THE FIX – Union Theatre
The show, however, is driven by the astonishing performances of Lucy Williamson as Violet and Ken Christiansen’s Grahame. Williamson’s performance is a powerhouse.
THE FIX – Union Theatre
I was already familiar with the original soundtrack to this controversial yet exceptionally current piece of musical theatre; I have also watched clips of other performers playing the main roles. However, in three years of theatre blogging, I have never seen a performance that matches the magic of Lucy Williamson’s genius portrayal of Violet Chandler.
THE FIX – Union Theatre
A perfect, no-frills performance space for a political musical statement awaits us. The Fix is a story of a senator who dies “on the job” with a prostitute.
Diary of a theatre addict: From P-town to DC & NYC
I’ve been to P-town, New York, DC and WIlliamstown in the last fortnight – and I finally catch up in my latest diary today!