July 2015 News, Reviews & Interviews

In July 2015, the theatre scene in London and across the UK continued to shine with an eclectic mix of classic revivals, innovative new plays, and unique theatrical experiences. This month was characterized by not only the traditional allure of the West End but also by groundbreaking performances and festivals that brought a fresh and diverse perspective to British theatre.

West End Highlights

1. Musicals:
   • “Bend It Like Beckham” at the Phoenix Theatre brought the beloved film to the stage with a vibrant musical adaptation, celebrating cultural diversity and the journey of a young female footballer.
   • “The Phantom of the Opera” at Her Majesty’s Theatre maintained its enduring appeal, with audiences continuing to be enchanted by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s gothic romance.
2. Plays:
   • “Hamlet” at the Barbican Theatre featured Benedict Cumberbatch in the titular role, drawing massive attention and selling out well in advance. Cumberbatch’s interpretation of Shakespeare’s tragic hero was a standout performance of the season.
   • “The Importance of Being Earnest” at the Vaudeville Theatre saw David Suchet take on the role of Lady Bracknell, bringing a fresh and humorous twist to Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy.

Notable Productions Outside the West End

1. National Theatre:
   • “Three Days in the Country”, Patrick Marber’s adaptation of Turgenev’s “A Month in the Country”, offered a poignant and elegantly staged exploration of unrequited love and societal constraints.
   • “The Beaux’ Stratagem” by George Farquhar continued to charm audiences with its clever comedy and lively performances.
2. Almeida Theatre:
   • The Almeida Theatre presented “Oresteia”, a bold and contemporary adaptation of Aeschylus’ trilogy by Robert Icke. The production was praised for its modern relevance and intense emotional impact.

Regional Theatres

Regional theatres across the UK showcased a variety of innovative and engaging productions:

1. Chichester Festival Theatre:
   • “Mack & Mabel”, starring Michael Ball, continued its successful run, delighting audiences with the story of early Hollywood romance and ambition, featuring memorable music and dynamic performances.
2. Manchester International Festival:
   • The biennial Manchester International Festival (MIF) featured a range of world premieres and special events. One highlight was “Tree”, a collaboration between Idris Elba and Kwame Kwei-Armah, blending drama, music, and dance to tell a powerful story about South Africa.

Unique Theatrical Events

1. Shakespeare in the Park:
   • Shakespeare in the Park events took place across various UK cities, bringing accessible and free performances of Shakespeare’s works to open-air venues. This initiative aimed to democratize theatre and reach audiences who might not typically attend traditional venues. Productions like “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Macbeth” were performed in parks, gardens, and other public spaces, drawing diverse crowds and fostering a communal spirit.
2. Theatre on the Move:
   • Theatre on the Move, a unique project, involved mobile theatre companies performing in unconventional spaces such as buses, trains, and boats. One notable production was “The Tempest” performed on a Thames River boat, providing an immersive experience that intertwined the play’s themes of travel and discovery with the journey itself.

Trends and Developments

1. Focus on Mental Health:
   • Mental health became a prominent theme in several productions, reflecting a growing societal focus on this important issue. Plays like “People, Places & Things” at the National Theatre delved into addiction and recovery, offering raw and realistic portrayals of mental health struggles.
2. Interactive and Immersive Theatre:
   • The trend towards interactive and immersive theatre continued to grow, with productions encouraging audience participation and breaking the traditional boundaries between performers and spectators. Companies like Punchdrunk and Secret Cinema led the way with their innovative approaches.

Festivals and Special Events

1. Edinburgh Festival Fringe:
   • Though primarily an August event, the buildup to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in July was significant, with many companies previewing their shows across the UK. The Fringe is known for its diverse range of performances, from comedy and drama to experimental theatre and street performances, making it a crucial platform for emerging talent.
2. Greenwich and Docklands International Festival:
   • The Greenwich and Docklands International Festival showcased outdoor performing arts, with a focus on large-scale, site-specific performances that transformed public spaces into dynamic stages. Highlights included “Prometheus Awakes”, a stunning piece that combined aerial acrobatics with pyrotechnics to tell a mythological tale.

In conclusion, July 2015 was a vibrant and diverse month for theatre in London and the UK. With a mix of high-profile West End productions, innovative regional performances, and unique theatrical events, the British theatre scene demonstrated its versatility and ability to engage audiences in new and exciting ways. The focus on mental health, interactive experiences, and accessibility highlighted the industry’s commitment to addressing contemporary issues and reaching broader audiences.

July 2015