When you have ten actors in three separate one-act plays with multiple roles and a plethora of Amelies, Anettes, Helenes and Adeles then one would have thought that, for any self-respecting theatre company, a programme - even if it’s merely one side of a computer-printed sheet - would be a prerequisite. But for Misenscene Productions, not so much it seems. I enquired … [Read more...]
The Show In Which Hopefully Nothing Happens
This is the show in which hopefully nothing happens but the happenings that do happen actually almost didn’t happen (self-fulfilling prophesy) because there happened to be a glitch in the staging preventing the mariotronic “happenings” (small independently moving plaster-of-Paris figurines for the uninitiated) from proceeding which obliged a cast (uh-huh) member to … [Read more...]
The Lady of the Camellias at Waterloo East Theatre
There’s been some discussion recently about high theatre ticket prices: I am of the view that it’s purely a commercial equation - if Hamilton producers can get £250 a ticket then they will. And it’s sold out every night. On the other hand, on any given evening, there are about a hundred affordable shows all over London, in small fringe venues, pubs, vaults and railway … [Read more...]
PIAF: The Legend featuring Mandy Meadows at Crazy Coqs
Piaf: The Legend is not so much a tribute act - more an act of tribute. Mandy Meadows, who was raised on a sheep farm in New Zealand, had a wash, and arrived at the Brasserie Zedel’s wonderful Crazy Coqs cabaret space, is, as she herself confesses, nothing like Edith Piaf - “the Little Sparrow” - in stature, shape, deportment or lifestyle. But boy, can she sing. … [Read more...]
Preview: Man Of La Mancha at The London Coliseum
Piglet meets Frazier: certainly didn’t see that coming. But that is exactly what is happening as Man Of La Mancha trots into town for a short season at the Coliseum in April and May. Frazier aficionados (yeah, that’s Spanish) of the American TV sit-com anti-hero may not be aware that creator of that character, Kelsey Grammer, is also rather adept at musical theatre in … [Read more...]
Rouse, Ye Women! at Greenwich Theatre | Review
It’s very difficult, for an audience at a Townsend Production, not to become engaged, enthused and fairly speedily fully immersed in the show. The company possesses a certain magic which is, I think, actually a light touch combined with a heavy political leitmotif - a difficult, rare and inevitably winning combination. This group of people know their craft, know how … [Read more...]
Tokens of Affection at Waterloo East Theatre
Angry. Violent. Relentless. That’s what’s on the daily menu as teachers try to run an educational refuge for teenage girls who have been shunned by their schools for being - well, angry, violent and relentless. The girls are in educational care, rather than full care, as they still return home each day but these miscreants have little interest in learning, find it … [Read more...]
Avenue Q at New Wimbledon Theatre | Review
On the day that the rather disturbing musings of a certain Liam Neeson made headlines all over the world, it seemed somehow appropriate that I should be sitting in the magnificent (New) Wimbledon Theatre listening to a couple of puppets duet a song called Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist. Avenue Q has launched its latest national tour and judging by the packed audience … [Read more...]
The Ruffian On The Stair at The Hope Theatre
I have never finished reading Joe Orton’s Diaries. I went through several copies but could never hang on to them. The reason for that, I believe, is that the publicity flash on the cover said, in giant letters, “STEAL THIS BOOK”. Various students, cast members, technicians and off-spring duly obliged so I’ve never been able to finish it. Probably the person who … [Read more...]
The Regina Monologues at The Bread and Roses Theatre | Review
The arrival of the wondrous musical SIX for a return visit to the Arts Theatre via the Edinburgh Fringe has ensured that our right royal scallywag Henry VIII and his plethora of wives are currently centre stage in the theatre-going public’s consciousness. But back in 2004, writers Rebecca Russell and Jenny Wafer got there first with The Regina Monologues - not a … [Read more...]
Avenue Q Tour Tickets On Sale UK Tour
Avenue Q returns to the stage for a UK national tour starting on 25th January in Portsmouth and continuing through to its final date in Belfast in August. Having won the Best Musical Tony Award after its initial opening on Broadway in 2003, Avenue Q came to the West End in 2006 where it ran for five years receiving the Lawrence Olivier Award for Best New Musical. … [Read more...]
Wise Children by Angela Carter at The Old Vic Theatre | Review
There’s tea; and there’s high tea. Similarly, I would suggest, there’s pantomime; and there’s high pantomime. Wise Children would seem to fall into the latter category as it differentiates from ordinary common or garden pantomime by certain distinguishing features: it’s not performed exclusively at Christmas; it inhabits a prestigious London theatre; it has a troupe … [Read more...]