It’s true what “they” say, you know, small is beautiful. This can definitely be said for the small but very beautiful It’s Only Life. This life-affirming musical makes you rediscover what’s important.
THE HIRED MAN – Union Theatre
The Hired Man is a love story set at the turn of the last century, amongst the rural fields, industrial towns and dangerous coal mines of northern England. In this moving musical, sensitively and imaginatively directed by Brendan Matthew, we follow the fortunes of men and women whose only hope of employment was to present themselves at regular fairs.
HONK! – Union Theatre
It is springtime and in a rural farm, the feathered inhabitants are getting ready to meet the new generation. For Ida (Ellie Nunn) this means sitting for hours on end on the nest while her partner Drake (Leon Scott) wanders about enjoying himself.
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.
MOBY DICK – Union Theatre
Just as pantomimes don’t bother sticking to the original fairytales they’re based on, this production of the American classic is presented as an amateur musical send up of a psychologically challenging novel performed by a group of distracted schoolchildren.
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.
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.
INTERVIEW: Spotlight On… Actor Carly Thoms
Carly Thoms is a dream of a performer. She recently breathed life into the role of Little Voice at The Union Theatre and previously took on the 48-Hour Challenge where she played Miss Dorothy in Thoroughly Modern Millie. I caught up with Carly, post LV, to ask all manner of nosey questions!
INTERVIEW: Spotlight On… Actor Glenn Adamson
Glenn Adamson has just completed a run in The Rise and Fall of Little Voice at London’s Union Theatre. He’s also been asked back to appear in pantomime at Colchester’s Mercury Theatre, but what have his career highlights been to date and how did he come to be an performer?
INTERVIEW: Spotlight On… The Rise & Fall of Little Voice’s Charlotte Gorton
Charlotte Gorton has been working in the West End in a wide range of roles, but her recent casting as leopard print clad Mari Hoff in The Rise and Fall Of Little Voice at The Union Theatre in London may just be one of the most pivotal moments for her career.
THE RISE & FALL OF LITTLE VOICE – Union Theatre
Carly Thoms is an amazing talent. Her capabilities seem boundless – she plays the shy and frightened LV superbly, but when she embodies LV’s various heroes, her mimicry is second to none.