“Urban, Metropolitan, Royal” Last night I saw a comedy masterpiece. A fast-paced play about a King’s journey through an unbearable illness and the effect it has on his government, his family and, most of all, himself. It’s October 1788 and King George III, the fast talking, no fussing, very charming leader has fallen ill. We see his deterioration begin at four o’clock in the morning, when ringing his servant bell and screaming nonsense about the boys not being awake. From this point onwards, the King’s mannerisms, speech and social skills are somewhat a bit of a mess. We meet … more »
Category: Reviews
Master Class at the Vaudeville Theatre – Review
A play about opera legend Maria Callas? You do love good theatre BUT you are not a great fan of the opera so this one’s not for you? WRONG. This is a play for anyone who loves a great play and fantastic acting. When I first saw a German production of Terrence McNally’s play in the late 90s, I knew nothing much about Callas and most certainly did not like opera. The latter hasn’t changed, to be honest, although I do appreciate a great performance. I absolutely loved the play and was completely captured by the fabulous performance of … more »
Review: Wicked the Musical
When writing a review of Wicked, where should you start? A novice writer would be tempted to go for the obvious option of opening with some wicked-related pun – but I’m not that green. Instead, perhaps I should start with the cast. Fans of the musical will undoubtedly be keen to hear about the performances of the newest cast members, who joined the show in the last cast change in December 2011. Before I do , I feel it’s important for you to know that, although I was at the show primarily to review the current cast, it was also the … more »
The Ladykillers Gielgud Theatre
The Ladykillers at Gielgud Theatre Mrs. Wilberforce – Marcia Warren, Professor Marcus – Peter Capaldi, Major Courtney – James Fleet, Louis Harvey – Ben Miller, Harry Robinson – Stephen Wight, One Round – Clive Rowe An adaptation of the popular 1955 Ealing Comedy film of the same name, The Ladykillers is as sinister as the title implies. A seemingly docile, innocent elderly lady, Mrs Wilberforce, rents out her spare room to an amateur string quintet for rehearsals, unwittingly letting a gang of criminals into her Kings Cross home. Unbeknownst to her, they are planning a heist and intend to … more »
Chicago Review
A long-running show in the West End can lead to a sense of false security for the theatre-goer – you take it for granted and assume that there’s plenty of time to go along and see it, after all, it’s not like it’s going anywhere right? So when it was announced that Chicago was closing at The Cambridge Theatre to make way for Matilda The Musical, that complacency was rocked somewhat, although needlessly as, it turns out. Now in its new home at The Garrick Theatre and with a (almost) whole new cast, the show is alive and high-kicking; … more »
The Lion In Winter Review
Trever Nunn’s The Lion in Winter is a fast paced, dramatic, intriguing and amusing tale brought to life masterfully by Joanna Lumley and Robert Lindsey. In this medieval drama Lumley plays Queen Eleanor, Duchess of Aquitaine who has been imprisoned in Salisbury Tower, Windsor Castle by her husband King Henry ll, played by Robert Lindsay. We meet this dysfunctional family at Christmas, when Queen Eleanor is allowed out of her captivity. Henry imprisoned her as punishment for supporting their son Richard the Lion Heart. This play is set in 1183 and is steeped in history but remains a piece … more »
Matilda The Musical Review
When the RSC-staged musical adaption of Roald Dahl’s Matilda played in Stratford earlier this year, it was widely acclaimed by both audience and critic alike. News of its West End transfer to the Cambridge Theatre was enthusiastically received and the London audience eagerly anticipated its arrival. Well, now it’s here and it more than lives up to the hype. Roald Dahl’s book about the ill-treated child prodigy who discovers she has ‘super-powers’ and can move objects with her eyes is one that children still enjoy to this day, but writer Dennis Kelly’s adaption takes that enjoyment to new levels. … more »
Backbeat Review
Backbeat – a musical about the Beatles (based on the 1994 film)! This announcement might not have sparked enthusiasm in all musical theatre fans. The heated discussion regarding ‘new writing’ versus ‘jukebox musicals’ is ongoing and with many great West End musicals closing early due to a lack of ‘bums on seats’, not everyone is willing to welcome all new musicals with open arms. Personally, I am always open-minded. If a production is good and makes audiences happy, it should be in the West End. End of. There is room for different types of MT. And there should always be … more »
A Night for Jennifer West End Gala Concert at the Lyric Theatre
A fabulous evening’s entertainment was thoroughly enjoyed by an enthusiastic audience at the Lyric Theatre last night, and I was sat in the front row enjoying a fantastic repertoire from a vast array of talent. The gala concert was put together in aid of the Jennifer Charity and although put on the calendar a few weeks ago, due to various reasons the actual cast on the night was only finalised the day before the event. Sincere congratulations go to Producer Chris Macklin, Director Dawn Kalani Cowle and Musical Director Gary Jerry for putting together a superb show, and for … more »
The Woman In Black Review
Review of The Woman In Black at The Fortune Theatre Cast: Arthur Kipps – David Acton, The Actor – Ben Deery Residing on the dimly lit Russell Street, in the shadow of Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, The Woman in Black has been a strong feature in London’s West End for 23 successful years. Every night, in this tiny theatre, an audience is gripped, stunned and hooked into the realm of the unknown. How has The Woman in Black managed to keep going in this ever-gloomy economic climate? If you see it, you’ll understand why. Without giving away too much … more »
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