As distinct from my favourite shows of the year, this list celebrates the fact that sometimes the good and the not-so-good co-exist right next to each – some of my favourite moments.
Year in review: Emma’s 7 favourite theatre productions of 2021
Despite everything that has been happening in the world, last year saw some fantastic theatre being produced under difficult circumstances: here are just a few of our favourite productions.
‘Productions like this are precisely why Agatha Christie has endured so long’: WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION – County Hall
Witness for the Prosecution is an absolute marvel in the atmospheric surroundings of County Hall.
‘The denouement is among Agatha Christie’s finest’: WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION – County Hall
Lucy Bailey’s site-specific production of Agatha Christie’s courtroom drama has returned to London County Hall, after a lengthy, if unplanned adjournment, and remains one of the most effective theatrical settings in London.
‘I welcome all audiences to come & judge everything they see’: Joe McNamara & Emer McDaid are living the dream in Witness for the Prosecution
Emma Clarendon chatted to Joe McNamara and Emer McDaid about bringing back Witness for the Prosecution to London County Hall.
As more West End shows have to cancel shows, industry figures respond to ‘inadequate’ Government insurance scheme
Though theatres are now operating at full capacity (if they choose to) — and audiences are wearing masks only if they choose to, as well — there is a great deal of uncertainty, as performances are being routinely suspended at the very last minute if a cast member proves positive or has come into contact with someone who has.
NEWS: Witness for the Prosecution announces new London cast
Casting has been announced for for Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution, due to return to London County Hall from 14 September 2021. The production is booking through to 20 March 2022.
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;
As restrictions lift, Mark Shenton offers a comprehensive update on opening nights in London & across the UK
This weekly column keeps track of the shows that are coming back, or are newly being announced, as theatres start reopening from tonight (17 May) in London and at other theatres in the UK.
Mark Shenton’s weekly chart of forthcoming theatrical comings & goings has some new entries
This weekly column keeps track of the shows that are coming back, or are newly being announced, as theatres prepare to re-open from next month onwards. It will be updated weekly until such time as it becomes a reality, and from then on will provide a weekly update to that week’s openings and future ones.
NEWS: Agatha Christie’s Witness for the Prosecution will return to London County Hall in May 2021
It has been announced that performances of Witness for the Prosecution will resume from 18 May 2021 at London County Hall on the Southbank. Cast to be announced soon.
NEWS: Eleanor Lloyd is appointed President of the Society of London Theatre
It has been announced at that Eleanor Lloyd will be the new President of the Society of London Theatre (SOLT). The appointment follows the conclusion of Kenny Wax’s three-year tenure.
‘It’ll definitely get you hooked’: Carolin Stoltz joins the cast of Witness for the Prosecution at County Hall
Carolin Stoltz chatted to Emma Clarendon about being part of Witness for the Prosecution at London’s County Hall.
‘The attraction of it, is that it is a popular piece of theatre’: In the dock is Jasper Britton from Witness For The Prosecution
Witness For The Prosecution, Agatha Christie’s murder thriller is playing very successfully at London’s ingeniously converted County Hall venue. RSC leading man Jasper Britton heads the latest cast change and as he took over the role of defence barrister Sir Wilfrid Robarts he and I chatted about the play and his career…
‘Expect to be completely transported to a different era’: Actress Emma Rigby stars in Witness for the Prosecution at County Hall
Actress Emma Rigby chatted to LLLC’s Emma Clarendon about her current role in Witness for the Prosecution.
‘The grandest ‘immersive’ theatrical experience in London’: WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION – County Hall ★★★★
It was a stroke of marketing genius on the part of director Lucy Bailey and her producers to decide to stage one of Agatha Christie’s best-loved court room dramas in something approaching a court room. Setting Witness for the Prosecution within London’s abandoned County Hall becomes as much the grandest ‘immersive’ theatrical experience in London as much as a revival of an old stage thriller.
‘The draw is Christie’s deft writing’: WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION – County Hall ★★★★
Everyone loves an Agatha Christie tale. Unlike the films and programmes involving Ms Marple or Poirot that are often repeated on television, Witness For The Prosecution (which is directed by Lucy Bailey) doesn’t have a familiar marquee protagonist at the centre of its narrative.
’A thrilling night at the theatre’: WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION – County Hall ★★★★
Witness For The Prosecution is a glorious fusion of classic storytelling, first class production values and top-notch acting.
‘Game played with the audience is vintage quality’: The MOUSETRAP – West End
Although The Mousetrap is often dismissed as a mere genre piece, all plot and no characters, I think this does an immense disservice both to Christie’s skill and to the pleasure that murder mysteries and crime thrillers can give their audiences.
Text of the Day: Witness for the Prosecution
Random and topical thoughts and quotes gathered by My Theatre Mates contributor Aleks Sierz, first published on www.sierz.co.uk.
- Page 1 of 2
- 1
- 2