News, Reviews & Interviews October 2018

Here are some highlights from London’s West End, Off-West End, and regional theatre in the UK for October 2018:

West End Highlights:

1. “Hamilton” at Victoria Palace Theatre:
   • Lin-Manuel Miranda’s revolutionary musical continued to captivate audiences with its retelling of the life of Alexander Hamilton through a unique blend of musical genres.
2. “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” at Palace Theatre:
   • The two-part play remained a massive draw, offering fans a magical continuation of J.K. Rowling’s beloved Harry Potter series.
3. “The Phantom of the Opera” at Her Majesty’s Theatre:
   • Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical about the masked figure haunting the Paris Opera House continued its longstanding run.
4. “Company” at Gielgud Theatre:
   • A gender-swapped revival of Stephen Sondheim’s musical, starring Rosalie Craig as Bobbie, and featuring Patti LuPone. Directed by Marianne Elliott, this production received critical acclaim for its fresh take on the classic.
5. “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical” at Aldwych Theatre:
   • This biographical musical, depicting the life and career of the legendary Tina Turner, was a major hit, featuring powerful performances and memorable songs.

Off-West End Highlights:

1. “Summer and Smoke” at Duke of York’s Theatre:
   • After a successful run at the Almeida Theatre, Rebecca Frecknall’s production of Tennessee Williams’ play transferred to the West End, starring Patsy Ferran and Matthew Needham.
2. “Nine Night” at Trafalgar Studios:
   • Natasha Gordon’s debut play, exploring Jamaican-British traditions and family dynamics, transferred to the West End after its acclaimed run at the National Theatre.
3. “Dust” at Soho Theatre:
   • Written and performed by Milly Thomas, this darkly comedic and poignant solo show explored themes of depression and suicide, offering a raw and compelling narrative.

Regional Theatre Highlights:

1. “War Horse” at Birmingham Hippodrome:
   • The National Theatre’s production continued its UK tour, showcasing its powerful storytelling and extraordinary puppetry.
2. “The King and I” at Theatre Royal, Glasgow:
   • The critically acclaimed Lincoln Center Theater production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical embarked on a UK tour, featuring stunning sets and costumes.
3. “The Madness of George III” at Nottingham Playhouse:
   • Alan Bennett’s historical drama, starring Mark Gatiss in the title role, was a standout production. It was also broadcast live to cinemas across the UK as part of National Theatre Live.
4. “Dr. Dolittle” at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin:
   • The musical adaptation of the beloved story of the man who talks to animals continued its UK and Ireland tour, featuring a lively score and colorful production design.

These highlights reflect the richness and variety of theatre offerings across the UK in October 2018, with a mix of classic revivals, innovative new works, and touring productions that captivated audiences nationwide.

October 2018