What surprised me was that whilst I was expecting a murder thriller, I got a good measure of some wonderful humour and like most of the audience found myself laughing out loud at some of the most macabre situations in the play
It has been announced that Newton Faulkner, the Double Platinum selling artist will join the cast of American Idiot, Green Day’s Tony Award-wining musical. Newton will take on the role of Johnny from May 2016 after Matt Thorpe who will play the role from 19 March at the Curve Theatre until 7 May at the New Theatre Oxford. Newton Faulkner said “My first ever band was essentially a Green Day cover band, with one of the guys currently in the show, Lucas Rush, so it’s amazingly strange to be reunited under these circumstances. I can’t wait. The first record I ever bought was Dookie, so yea, I was a massive Green Day fan, still am.” Newton will join the previously announced X Factor finalist Amelia Lily (Whatsername), Alexis Gerred (Tunny), Llandyll Gove (Gerard), Lucas Rush (St Jimmy) and Steve Rushton (Will), who will all be reprising their critically acclaimed roles … Read more
Shrek is a great show for adults and children alike, but hurry it won’t be around for much longer. More’s the pity!
However, while the pace of the comedy occasionally dips in the second half, this production of Coward’s play is a gem, proving the enduring relevance of Private Lives and its ability to delight contemporary audiences.
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.
The Full Monty is a masterclass of British writing and its energy and sensitivity transfers smoothly to the stage. It’s raucous and crude but also a lot of fun – if it’s touring in your area then it’s well worth a visit.
There is a great deal to admire about She Called Me Mother, a play which gives a voice to the homeless and victims of abuse. Funny, poignant, and often distressing, Michelle Inniss’s debut piece explores her characters’ memories to compellingly visceral effect.
This reimagining of The Great Gatsby has to be commended for trying something very new and different. However, the musical innovations generally distracted from rather than enhanced the text; it was the brilliant source material and some solid acting performances that really made it sing.
