Features

Top 5 Epic Musical Theatre Performances of 2016

Broadway, Features, News, West End
Tickets for Glenn Close in Sunset Boulevard are available through Britishtheatre.com

Musical theatre has been well served in 2016 on both sides of the Atlantic with revivals of amazing musicals and the unveiling of some new works which are fast becoming favourites. Looking back through my browser history and playlists I’d like to put forward this list of epic musical theatre performances by some of the world’s great musical theatre performers and the cast of one particular musical which blew my mind this year. This list is by no means definitive and certainly bears the hallmark of my own taste, so I’d invite you to add your own thoughts below. Share and through sharing make the world aware of the depth of talent out there entertaining us. TOP 5 EPIC MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCES IN 2016 Number 1 GLENN CLOSE – SUNSET BOULEVARD AT THE ENO She came and she conquered with an almighty performance that would have taxed the greatest of … Read more

CRITIC’S CHOICE 2016: Matthew Lunn

Features, News, Reviews, West End
Book Now for The Comedy About A Bank Robbery at the Criterion Theatre

We asked our reviewers to take a look at 2016 and to nominate some stand out productions for 2016. Matthew Lunn replied with the following:- 1. Hangmen This pitch-black comedy centred on the life of a celebrated hangman (David Morrissey), and the discovery that one of his victims may have been innocent. Morrissey’s caustic performance, coupled with Johnny Flynn’s extraordinary turn as his enigmatic antagonist, defined this witty and gripping piece. Read Matthew’s Hangmen review. 2. The Dresser A superb revival, which truly does justice to Sir Ronald Harwood’s perceptive and poignant script. Set in a provincial theatre during World War 2, the play captures the strained, but intimate relationship between a fading actor and his loyal dresser. Reece Shearsmith is on terrific form as the eponymous Norman, whilst Ken Stott delivers a career-defining performance as ‘Sir’. Read Matthew’s review of The Dresser. 3. The Comedy About A Bank Robbery … Read more

CRITIC’S CHOICE 2016: Julian Eaves

Critic Round Ups, Features, News, Off West End, Reviews
Book tickets for Adding Machine Musical at Finborough Theatre

We asked our reviewers to take a look at 2016 and to nominate some stand out productions for 2016. Julian Eaves replied with the following:- The stand-out moments of 2016 for me are all new works, or at least new to the UK. ‘Can’t Stop It’, is a trans-Atlantic collaboration between two new British book writers, Adam Button and Lemon Otter; Lemon has also done the ingenious musical arrangements of the songs, which are by US indie group, Suburban Legends – most of the numbers come from their back catalogue, but some have been composed especially for the show. In the hands of dramaturg-director Max Reynolds, this show is taking very promising shape. Following two sets of workshops – at Canterbury and at the Performance Preparation Academy, Guildford – the team is currently exploring different options to develop the show further. Read Julian’s original article. ‘Adding Machine’, the US composer … Read more

Top 100 Greatest Musicals Results: 50 – 41

Features, Video
Top 100 Musicals of All Time Poll Results

We’re now half-way through this vast array of fantastic musicals. For everyone who took part in this poll, we have to say you’ve got great taste. This next set of musicals are a mixture of timeless classics and modern pop scores. It’s been interesting for us to look at just how quickly some of these more modern scores have entrenched themselves as favourites amongst musical lovers. Let us know your thoughts. Leave your comments below. 50. Seven Brides For Seven Brothers Written as a motion picture musical, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers burst onto the big screen in 1954. Based on Stephen Vincent Benét’s The Sobbin’ Women, which was based on the ancient Roman legend The Rape Of The Sabine Women, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers had music by Saul Chaplin and Gene de Paul and lyrics by Johnny Mercer. Directed by Stanley Donen, the film featured the choreography of … Read more

FIRST LOOK: Cinderella at the London Palladium

Features, Gallery
Book tickets for Cinderella at the London Palladium

QDOS Entertainment has bought traditional pantomime back to the London Palladium this week with a new all-star production of Cinderella which will run for five weeks only. The enchanting rags-to-riches tale is a firm family favourite and is constantly voted as the audience’s number one pantomime choice. This production features Paul O’Grady (Baroness Hardup), Julian Clary (Dandini), Amanda Holden (The Fairy Godmother), Lee Mead (Prince Charming), Paul Zerdin (Buttons), Nigel Havers (Lord Chamberlain), Count Arthur Strong (Baron Hardup), Natasha J Barnes (Cinderella) and Suzie Chard and Wendy Somerville (The Wicked Stepsisters). We hope that you enjoy these great images by Paul Coltas and Steve Williams. BOOK NOW FOR CINDERELLA AT THE LONDON PALLADIUM

UPCOMING: The Unblinding

Features
The Unblinding

This work combines an App-based animated graphic novel with audio and music and is launched direct to individual phones/tablets (the PC-friendly platform will appear later).