West End Plays: West End News - West End Tickets 2021

REVIEW: Hay Fever, Duke Of York’s Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Stephen Collins8th May 2015 Reviews, West End

Alice Orr-Ewing, Felicity Kendal and Edward Franklin in Hay Fever at the Duke Of York's Theatre

Felicity Kendal is a triumph as the effervescent, self-indulgent diva that is Judith. Her throaty, raspy tones; the endless lighting and stubbing out of cigarettes; the casual, but persistent, flick of tousled curls; the innocent eyes and the naughty remark and the naughty remark and the innocent eyes; the devilment, the wild abandon, the sneaky confidence, the haughty indifference. Every aspect of the performance is beautifully judged by Kendal.

Top-Selling Shows May 2015

Douglas Mayo25th February 20168th May 2015 News, Off West End, Touring, West End

There are some great shows heading your way in the near future. Here at BritishTheatre.com we go all out to promote great shows in the West End, Off West End and on Tour across the UK. Go and see these great productions and support the best of British Theatre. ROMEO AND JULIET (GARRICK THEATRE) Reuniting the stars of his celebrated film of Cinderella, Kenneth Branagh directs Richard Madden and Lily James who play the leads in Shakespeare’s heartbreaking tale of forbidden love. Internally renown Shakespearean actor Derek Jacobi joins the production in what promises to be yet another sell out success in Branagh’s first season of plays at the Garrick Theatre. BOOK NOW FOR ROMEO AND JULIET | BOOK FOR OTHER PLAYS IN THE KENNETH BRANAGH SEASON PHOTOGRAPH 51 WITH NICOLE KIDMAN (NOEL COWARD THEATRE) Does Rosalind Franklin know how precious her photograph is? In the race to unlock the … Read more

REVIEW: Beyond Caring, NT Temporary Theatre ✭✭✭

Stephen Collins21st August 20156th May 2015 Reviews, West End

There is something undeniably fascinating about watching strangers find common ground, about seeing a team form in adverse circumstances, especially where, as here, the pains and troubles which silently vex them remain largely unventilated. The narrative twists might not be very surprising, but the unsparing truth in the playing and the sadly familiar straightened circumstances of these characters, together with the plain hideousness of their employment, combine to make this unsettling, uncomfortable viewing.

REVIEW: American Buffalo, Wyndhams Theatre ✭✭✭

Stephen Collins21st August 20156th May 2015 Reviews, West End

American Buffalo by David Mamet at the Wyndham's Theatre, London

American Buffalo Wyndham’s Theatre 2 May 2015 3 Stars Book Tickets His whole body is a snarl of anger, resentment, pain. His shaved head suggests an innate meanness, but it is just show. His character is weak, lost, desperate to be loved and to be considered part of “the action”. His eyes astonish: one moment, almost lifeless, as if he is elsewhere thanks to drugs in his system or perhaps because he is mentally deficient; the next, they flash into life, presenting tough bravado or lucid hope. His hands and arms seem almost disconnected, as he curves or twists them oddly, fascinatingly, a reflection of his confused, inarticulate demeanour. When, unexpectedly, he is assaulted, his jaw broken by the severity of the blow, you feel the pain as surely as if you had been yourself assaulted. As blood pours from his ears, and he expresses his fear about his state, … Read more

CRITICS CHOICE: Top 10 New Plays 1 May 2015

Stephen Collins21st August 20151st May 2015 News, Reviews, West End

10 Best New Plays in London What Play should you see first in London? We have compiled this list to save you the trouble of working it out! It’s just our view – and everyone has one – based on our Reviewers’ thoughts. We will update the list regularly so new productions get on your radar and when original casts change that is factored in. Plays which have been running for more than three years are not included – this is a list for new or relatively new productions running in London. So go see them! 1. Oppenheimer Morton-Smith has written a masterpiece which Angus Jackson has cast and directed in a way which gives it full measure, lustre and power. No one here gives anything other than a first-class performance. John Heffernan, in the central role, with the bulk of the play squarely on his shoulders, is world class. … Read more

CRITICS CHOICE: Top 10 Musicals 1st May 2015

Stephen Collins21st August 20151st May 2015 News, Reviews, West End

Imelda Staunton in Gypsy at the Savoy Theatre London

What Musical should you see first in London? We have compiled this list to save you the trouble of working it out! It’s just our view – and everyone has one – based on our Reviewers’ thoughts. We will update the list regularly so new productions get on your radar and when original casts change that is factored in. Musicals which have been running for more than three years are not included – this is a list for new or relatively new productions running in London. So go see them! 1. Gypsy Everyone in this company is superb in their part, everyone can really sing, really dance and really deliver the goods in terms of dramatic and comic acting. This is that rare beast: an exquisitely cast musical where the requirements of the parts have more importance in the casting process than potential box office draw or Twitter popularity. It … Read more

Is Something Rotten Headed To The West End?

Douglas Mayo25th February 201630th April 2015 News, West End

It has been reported in tonight’s London Evening Standard that one of the hottest new musicals on Broadway may be headed to the West End of London sooner than anticipated. Spoofing Shakespeare, Something Rotten is about two brothers who frustrated by a hack called Shakespeare inadvertently write the first musical. Critically acclaimed and nominated for ten Tony Awards it looks set to be an enormous Broadway hit. Something Rotten is directed by Casey Nicolaw who directed The Book Of Mormon and is also responsible for Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway. Producer Kevin McCollum, whose credits include Avenue Q and Rent, said: “The idea of a musical set in Shakespeare’s time and having characters compete with him is something people are responding to. I love bringing shows to London and hope to send the show there.” Something Rotten has been compared to Spamalot and that show’s Monty Python creator Eric Idle reportedly told the Standard: … Read more

REVIEW: Everyman, National Theatre ✭✭

Stephen Collins30th April 2015 Reviews, West End

Rufus Norris throws everything at the production. The result is garish, adolescent and intolerably dull. Too much show and too little style and substance. As Everyman, Chiwetel Ejiofor strives manfully to break through the tedious bonds of Norris’ psychedelic/hallucinogenic vision. He succeeds occasionally, and there is no doubting his conviction and passion.