Ahead of rounding up various publications #theatre2016 highlights, I’m taking a moment to reflect on my own theatregoing year and my favourite plays, musicals, performances and other events.
THE GO-BETWEEN – West End
‘The Go Between’ by Richard Taylor and David Wood Based on a book by L.P. Hartley Apollo Theatre Directed by Roger Haines This was my second visit to this […]
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.
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.
Patience, goodwill, collective support, good behaviour
This week I joined a discussion with Andy Barnes of Perfect Pitch exploring his 10-year journey in the development of new writing of Musical Theatre. He has been knee-deep in the opening of one of the early shows he developed – The Go-Between.
THE GO-BETWEEN – West End
Michael Crawford remains on the stage for the duration of the play, narrating and recalling memories of that hot July summer. His stage presence never in question, he delivers a commanding performance. Gemma Sutton and Stuart Ward play Marion and Ted, the lovers whose story is pivotal to the story.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: The Go-Between at the Apollo Theatre
Michael Crawford returns to the London stage in this new British musical by Richard Taylor and David Wood, directed by Roger Haines. The Go-Between is booking at the West End’s Apollo Theatre until October 2016 – but how has it gone down with critics?
THE GO-BETWEEN – West End
Where Taylor’s recent Sheffield outing flooded the stage with talent, albeit with no big star on board, the casting feature of The Go-Between is of course England’s grand-daddy of musical theatre and the creator of Lloyd-Webber’s Phantom Of The Opera, Michael Crawford. No celebrity “stunt casting” here, the quality of Crawford’s performance brings real smiles. One would be pushed to find a better man for a role that requires not only emotional but vocal versatility, and while this national treasure may not be hitting Phantom-like notes, his performance is still certainly on the money.
THE GO-BETWEEN – West End
Michael Crawford returns to the London stage to star as Leo Colston, a man who is still haunted by events that took place fifty years ago… What would you do if you were made to deliver secret messages between two people who are in love but couldn’t publicly declare it? What would happen if you […]
THE GO-BETWEEN – West End
It has taken six years – and Michael Crawford – to bring Richard Taylor and David Wood’s poetic musicalisation of L P Hartley’s The Go-Between to the West End stage; and before the tired old debate begins as to what it is (opera? musical? play with music?), before anyone goes in search of a comforting label, let it be said that what really counts for something here is the storytelling.
THE GO-BETWEEN – West End
Around a derelict room and abandoned trunk, Michael Crawford prowls, a tweedy, damaged old man at the heart of this low-key but unforgettable new musical: singing, remembering, haunted by a diary. It opens with no showy feelgood overture but an almost liturgical harmony as an ensemble of pale ghosts torment him with “We are still here…”.
5 shows to look out for in June: Aladdin, The Spoils, The Go-Between & more
Is it really June already? Summer is upon us. Here are a few hot show opening this month that you need to keep an eye out for…
NEWS: Issy Van Randwyck stars opposite Michael Crawford in The Go-Between
The full cast has been announced for the forthcoming new production of THE GO-BETWEEN. Joining the previously announced Michael Crawford – with the multi Olivier and Tony-award winning star returning to London’s West End to play Leo Colston – will be Issy Van Randwyck. Renowned for her starring role in the celebrated cabaret group Fascinating Aida, Issy will play the role of Mrs Maudsley. The production will begin performances at the Apollo Theatre on Friday 27 May 2016 (Press Night: Tuesday 7 June at 7:00pm).
Who’s in it ? A challenge … & maybe a solution to make new musicals & new stars
“Who’s In It?” This is probably the most common question when any director, producer, or theatre comes up with a show they want to present. Hamlet – ok but who’s in it. South Pacific – ok but who’s in it. Or maybe The Homecoming, or Rocky Horror – ok but who’s in it?
What happens when you cross Dragons’ Den with new musicals?
The Perfect Pitch Award, co-presented by Theatre Royal Stratford East, is a sort of Dragons Den for new musical writing … with a twist. In this, long before the aspirants get to the pitch stage, the dragons actually put them together.
NEWS: Michael Crawford returns to West End in The Go-Between, TICKETS ON SALE
Michael Crawford – internationally renowned for originating the title role in The Phantom of the Opera and loved by millions for his role as the hapless Frank Spencer in the classic British sitcom, Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em– will return to London’s West End this summer in a new production of THE GO-BETWEEN.