Translating a 16th century literary work for the 21st century, retaining its archaic dialogue style and mixing in chart-topping hits by The Go-Go’s does not at first sight appear to be a promising concept for a hit Broadway show. However its short run in 2018 perhaps says more about the nature of New York audiences and their reaction to the
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Having wowed audiences at Regents Park Theatre in 2017 Jesus Christ Superstar, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic rock musical which tells the story of the last days of Jesus is on tour. With hype surrounding the show following its Olivier award win in 2017 for best revival, will the show live up to the hype….read on to find out. Programme notes
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The website of entertainers (with a small e) reveals over thirty touring productions, of which fourteen are tribute acts, including Jimmy Love. With the cast of Back To The Future the Musical on their weekly night off, the opportunity was taken to present West End debut of The Rocket Man, a tribute to Elton John which has been touring for
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The downside of reviewing any production is that it is extremely difficult to sit back and enjoy the performance for what it is. Notes made contemporaneously (not necessarily legible in the clear light of day) or complete reliance on mental notes mean that attention is necessarily divided. A further complication related to amateur productions is the awareness that, by definition,
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Premiered in 2012 and a Tony award winner in 2013, it seems extraordinary that, even allowing for Covid delay, it has taken so long for Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike to reach London via a first outing in Bath in 2019. Although characters and themes are lifted liberally and affectionately from Anton Chekhov, there are considerably more laughs
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Composer/lyricist Drew Gasparini braved Covid restrictions either side of the Atlantic to fly into London for this single performance of I Could Use A Drink at the Garrick Theatre. Although his work has been performed all over the world (including London) his extensive musical theatre repertoire is perhaps better known in his home country. He is currently developing a number
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Three cheers for live theatre – and especially a musical – back at Southwark Theatre in spite of all Covid related restrictions! Reception at the theatre was well organised and seating pared down by removal of a row to allow for social distancing, together with Perspex dividers between seats of different parties (one bonus being unusually generous leg room). A
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Celebrating its 30th year of existence, Masquerade Theatre Company is a new group for this reviewer, as is the Miskin Theatre venue (not the easiest to access given the circuitous route to its entrance, direction provided by previously experienced audience members). Only the programme and website acknowledgement of their Kent Drama Awards 2019 give a clue that this is an
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The script description of Hell Yes I’m Tough Enough defines it as a “relentless, fast paced, hysterical, crude, offensive, passionate, visceral and oh so British comedy that will leave you wanting to grab a placard and take to the streets!” Unfortunately, while this may have been the intention, actualisation fell some way short of ambition. Apparently informed by sources within
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With a cast of three, Jon Brittain and Matt Tedford’s outrageous cross dressing romp takes aim at the political domination of the 1980s by Margaret Thatcher. Matt Tedford reprises his acclaimed take on Margaret Thatcher, leading the audience through the main premiership events but with a particular focus on the introduction by Jill Knight (and an unmentioned David Wilshire) of
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