School of Rock (Tour)New Wimbledon TheatreReviewed on Monday 21st March 2022★★★★★Most people know and love the hit 2003 film School of Rock. With Jack Black’s iconic comedy, incredibly catchy tunes and a true rock soul it became an instant classic. For…
‘What makes this a really good show is its ability to connect with its audience without taking itself too seriously’: &JULIET – West End
My first visit to this flashy jukebox musical inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet was in December 2019, so it was great fun to revisit recently.
INTERVIEW: Alex Gibson-Giorgio on playing the villain in Zorro The Musical
Alex Gibson-Giorgio plays Ramon in Zorro The Musical at London’s Charing Cross Theatre. He chats to us about the rehearsal process, what it’s like playing the villain and what audiences can expect from the musical.
‘This is a powerful revival of this punchy play’: COCK – West End
If some of the detail of Mike Bartlett’s Cock now feels a little dated, the skill of his writing is as fresh as ever, performed brilliantly at the Ambassadors Theatre.
‘The intimate moments are so credible it feels borderline voyeuristic sat in the audience’: COCK – West End
Watching Mike Bartlett’s play Cock today, it seems strange to think that it was actually written 13 years ago, as it covers themes that are so resonant with life in 2022.
‘Five cracking performers all get their moments to shine’: THE DRIFTERS GIRL – West End
The Drifters Girl is a classic example of the worst type of jukebox musical – a group effort in failing to tell an interesting story whilst putting on a good show.
‘Sometimes you should just leave things alone’: MOULIN ROUGE! The Musical – West End ★★
If you’ve seen Moulin Rouge! The Musical and loved it, I’d advise you to read no further – this is not going to be pleasant.
‘Well acted to be sure but just not my cup of tea’: 2:22 – A GHOST STORY – West End
The perils of going to see something just because you like an actor in it… I loved seeing Elliot Cowan onstage again but was significantly less keen on 2:22 – A Ghost Story.
‘The producers know what their audience want & give it to them’: DIRTY DANCING – West End
The iconic 1980s romance is re-worked for the stage in this straightforward but energetic production. Full confession: I grew up obsessed with Dirty Dancing, and I kind of still am.
‘A fun revival that doesn’t take itself too seriously’: DIRTY DANCING – West End ★★★★
Dirty Dancing is one of the cult classic films that’s beloved by many generations and continually stands the test of time, so a stage version has a built-in audience.
‘Stellar effects & outstanding solo & ensemble performances’: BAT OUT OF HELL – Touring ★★★★★
There aren’t many touring shows where fire, confetti and belts that melt your faces off are the key selling points, but that’s what makes Bat Out of Hell such a unique and refreshing addition to the touring circuit.
‘Just allow the sensuousness to wash over you’: Moulin Rouge & Cabaret immerse West End theatregoers
I won’t push the comparisons too hard: though they have a lot in common, CABARET and MOULIN ROUGE are chalk and chese(y), the one all grit, the other all glamour. And they get productions to match.
‘Is it too early to herald the theatrical event of the year?’: CABARET – West End
I doubt I will see another show in 2022 that matches the allure and sense of occasion as Rebecca Frecknall’s much-anticipated production of Cabaret.
‘Eddie Redmayne & Jessie Buckley shimmer & scintillate in this striking reworking’: CABARET – West End
Director Rebecca Frecknall and designer Tom Scutt have done an awesome job in reconfiguring the Playhouse Theatre into the risqué surroundings of The Kit Kat Club.
‘A frenetic & highly entertaining performance’: POTTED PANTO – West End
Panto, as most British traditions, is a deeply weird thing but entertains many families over the Christmas period.
‘A theatrical experience that you will never forget’: CABARET – West End ★★★★★
A theatrical experience that you will never forget – Eddie Redmayne revels in the role of the Emcee, but Jessie Buckley steals the show in Cabaret.
‘The human magic of this show still holds’: COME FROM AWAY – West End
Just thought I should mention to readers how wonderful this show is. I saw it twice before the pandemic, nipped back to a matinee a week or so back.
Panto not your thing? Lucie Jones & other alternative festive shows this Christmas
Not up for seeing panto but still fancy getting out of the house before Omicron burns it all down? Here are some alternatives to pantomimes this month.
‘The show really is a visual treat like no other’: LIFE OF PI – West End
If it isn’t necessarily the best play around, Life of Pi at Wyndham’s Theatre can seriously lay claim to being one of the finest productions open right now.
‘A perfect reminder of the importance of community’: THE CHOIR OF MAN – Arts Theatre ★★★★
Nine men, a pub, singing, dancing and amazing energy levels, The Choir of Man is an absolute treat of a show.