Mike Leigh’s revitalised production of The Pirates of Penzance at the English National Opera’s Coliseum is a fun, but ultimately unsatisfying testament to the enduring charm of Gilbert and Sullivan’s 1879 comic opera. At its heart, The Pirates of Penzance is a parody of Victorian propriety, poking fun at the rigid class structures and moral […]
The latest revival of The Producers at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London’s West End proves that some classic musicals never go out of style. This uproarious tale follows the misadventures of Max Bialystock, a washed-up Broadway producer, and his anxious accountant, Leo Bloom. Together, they hatch a ludicrous plan to create the worst musical […]
In this age of ‘cancelling’ celebrities, it is sometimes surprising to see which offending personality is subjected to this unenviable fate and which isn’t. A television presenter who has embarked on a workplace same-sex affair seemingly has his entire professional life and psychological well-being ruined, whereas an artist against whom there have been far more […]
Operation Mincemeat, the new musical dazzling audiences at the Fortune Theatre in London’s West End and about to erupt onto Broadway, is a delightful concoction of history, humour, and just the right amount of heart. This show takes you on a wild ride through one of World War II’s most audacious deceptions. The story begins […]
Road Show was Stephen Sondheim’s final musical. It is a wild ride through the ups and downs of ambition, family ties, and that ever-elusive American Dream. Set in the early 20th century, it tells the story of brothers Addison and Wilson Mizner as they stumble through a series of misadventures in their quest for success. […]
Fascinating Aida, the British comedy singing group that’s been tickling funny bones and serenading audiences for four decades, is on its 40th Anniversary Tour. This production is a delightful cocktail of sharp wit, musical talent, and just the right splash of nostalgia, making it a must-see for die-hard fans and curious newcomers. So what exactly […]
This play is more fun than you can imagine, although you have to be a user of London Underground to get it. The ancient Greeks hung around the harbour to hear announcements about where their ships were, with ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ of recognition every time a ship’s name was mentioned. It was a bit like […]
We’re not allowed to say ‘Shakespeare’s a bit boring, innit?’, are we? No matter whether it’s true or not. A new production of The Tempest has opened — a reimagining of Shakespeare’s last and perhaps most enigmatic play. It has often been seen as a valedictory for his career, specifically in the final speech in […]
Asi Wind’s Incredibly Human, playing at the lovely new Underbelly Boulevard in Soho is a blend of mind-bending tricks and intimate storytelling, inviting you into a world where the impossible becomes possible, and the boundaries of reality are playfully blurred. Wind, an acclaimed magician known for his award-winning performances and appearances on shows like Penn […]
This was a magnifient gala special at the New York City Centre – the entire reason for our special review trip to Broadway. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century America, Ragtime is a musical that intertwines the lives of three distinct families, reflecting the social upheaval and cultural shifts of the time. It is […]