Upstairs at the Gatehouse in Highgate is one of the 40 or so independent, often above-a-pub, theatres in London. Usually pub theatre is of a surprisingly good quality: well-trained professional actors stand out amongst restricted (or sometimes seemingly non-existent) budgets that limit set and costume design options but it’s one of the great privileges of this city to … [Read more...]
London Musical Reviews for West End and Off West End
If you are planning to visit London to see a musical on stage at one of the West End theatres, or a musical in one of the many Off West End or Fringe venues, then maybe our London musical reviews section can be of help? Read one of the latest reviews or use the search button to find and view one of our previous reviews. We use a star rating system on our site.
Six: ‘something about the feistiness, the sassiness, the riotousness of it all’
There’s a good mix of musical styles amongst the ten musical numbers, though most of the melodies are firmly in the style of what I call ‘minicab music’ – the sort of chart music tunes I would only listen to if I were being driven home and the driver just so happened to have the radio on. But there’s something about the feistiness, the sassiness, the riotousness of it all. I liked the music so much I bought the cast recording on the way out. It only leaves me to wish Six a long and glorious reign.
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Soho Cinders at Charing Cross Theatre | Review
There are no big scene changes in this production. The stage is never filled with the kind of street clutter that prevents a speedy progress through the actual Old Compton Street and surrounding environs. Some preceding shows at Charing Cross Theatre have not been so sparing, but it is indicative here of the faith that the production places in the dialogue. Thus, the … [Read more...]
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Princess Theatre Torquay
Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a musical feat. Known for its many catchy musical numbers, it's hard to believe this multi-award-winning production originally began as a concept album in 1969, and since then has become the technicolour phenomenon and a much-loved national and international treasure. With the perfect combination of Tim Rice's lyrics, … [Read more...]
Islander: A New Musical at Southwark Playhouse | Review
There are a whole host of tiny Scottish islands, many stretching miles north of the mainland. Naturally this brings a whole host of problems to residents - huge population decrease (especially amongst young people), a lack of investment, and some very rainy weather (although that certainly applies to my experiences of mainland Scotland too). Amy Draper takes these … [Read more...]
Tickle the Musical at the King’s Head Theatre | Review
How do you feel about tickling or being tickled? After all, as babies and children, tickling is a part of life, and many a youngster has been reduced to a helpless mess of giggling by a good old tickle. As you get older, there comes a point where it is not necessarily felt as appropriate to tickle or be tickled. However, if you were to Google the words “competitive … [Read more...]
Madagascar The Musical at Princess Theatre Torquay | Review
The musical spectacular that is Madagascar is certain to make you ‘move it, move it’. Based on the 2005 DreamWorks animation, we follow our best-loved vibrant friends - Marty, Melman, Gloria and Alex as they escape from New York’s Central Park Zoo and embark on a journey full of "roaring" humour as they venture "to the wild". While still giving plenty of nods to the … [Read more...]
Singin’ in the Rain – Showtime Challenge 48-Hour Musicals
Occasionally one sees a show which is totally uplifting! This describes the performance of Singin' In The Rain which was mounted by Showtime Challenge 48-Hour Musicals at the Adelphi Theatre in aid of the Lewy Body Society, a charity dedicated to research into the diagnosis and treatment of this type of dementia which affects over 15% of sufferers. Everyone involved … [Read more...]
Grease The Musical at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley
Long standing favourite Grease is back and is billed to be grittier and more glamorous than ever. Nikolai Foster's direction revitalises Grease and makes it a brand new version of the much-loved hit. Featuring well known songs such as 'Summer Nights', 'Greased Lightnin’, 'Hopelessly Devoted to You' and 'You’re the One That I Want' and new choreography by Arlene … [Read more...]
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes at the Union Theatre | Review
Sacha Regan’s Union Theatre has a strong track record when it comes to reviving musicals. 2019 is the 70th anniversary of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes’ premiere on Broadway, and it has only been seen once in London - in 1962 with Dora Bryan. The 1920s flimsy plot revolves around an ex-Follies dancer, Lorelei Lee, originally Carol Channing, whose fiancée Gus Esmond, a … [Read more...]