CRITICS CHOICE: Emily Hardy’s Pick Of 2015

Annie Uk Tour 2015

My pick of 2015 is neither a stroke of theatrical genius like the Almeida’s Oresteia nor a brilliant and original work of art like 1927’s Golum. It is in fact a populist musical, despised by many, dating back to the 1970s. NB: If squeaky-voiced, optimistic red-headed orphans conjure distressing memories of amateur productions past, look away now because my pick of 2015 is… believe it or not… Annie. Nikolai Foster’s fast-paced and punchy production – touring the UK until June 2016 – has given one very old dog a fresh lease of life. Annie, with new colourful choreography and a ‘funky’ edge comparable to that in Tim Minchin’s Matilda, can finally escape the chorus of groans that once accompanied its name. Thanks to this energetic reimagining, it’s once again acceptable to hum Charles Strouse’s Tomorrow (boy oh boy!) and soak up Thomas Meehan’s saccharine rags to riches story – just … Read more

REVIEW: Annie, New Wimbledon Theatre (On Tour) ✭✭✭✭

Annie Uk Tour 2015

Thanks to this energetic reimagining, Annie can finally escape the chorus of groans that once accompanied its name. It’s once again acceptable to hum Charles Strouse’s Tomorrow (boy oh boy!) and soak up Thomas Meehan’s saccharine rags to riches story – just as I did when I was seven. Foster’s fast-paced and punchy production – touring the UK until June 2016 – has given one very old dog a fresh lease of life, bringing Annie back for a new, let’s face it, more discerning generation. And they’ve done so with gusto.

Elf! – New Show Trailer Released

Elf musical Theatre Royal

BritishTheatre.com are pleased to bring you new show trailer for the London premiere of Elf The Musical ahead of tonight’s Gala performance in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society. Elf stars Ben Forster, Kimberley Walsh, Joe McGann and Jessica Martin, and is based on the 2003 film which starred Will Ferrell. The show features a book by Thomas Meehan and Bob Martin, with songs by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin. Elf runs at the Dominion Theatre until 2 January 2016. BOOK NOW FOR ELF THE MUSICAL

Behind The Scenes – Cast Recording Of Elf The Musical

Elf London Cast Album

We’re delighted to bring you this great behind the scenes featurette for the recording of the London cast album of Elf The Musical. Based on the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema hit starring Will Ferrell, Elf is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. The cast album features the talents of Ben Forster as Buddy the Elf, Kimberley Walsh as Jovie, Joe McGann as Walter Hobbs and Jessica Martin as Emily Hobbs. Elf features a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan … Read more

REVIEW: The Producers, Churchill Theatre Then Touring ✭✭✭✭

The Producers by Mel Brooks is currently touring the UK

Wry and rapscallion, Cory English’s Max is perennially down and out and glibly shooting the breeze simultaneously. Jason Manford carefully crafts Leo as a buffoon with a heart of marshmallow, is very funny (physically and verbally) and nails his passion for show-business precisely. Like a deranged Bratwurst Behemoth, Jupitus’ Franz is a triumph of dysfunction, hysterical devotion to a lost cause and amiable murderous delusion. Tiffany Graves is in sensational form as the 11am temptress, Ulla.