REVIEW: Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, Theatre Royal Drury Lane ✭✭✭✭

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory At The Theatre Royal Drury Lane

Sam Mendes’ production of the musical adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is in excellent shape. Nothing indicates that more clearly than the show not missing a beat despite the fact that three understudies were called upon to perform. The company didn’t hiccup. Routines are polished and well-drilled; Mark Thompson’s wonderfully colourful, and sometimes colourless, costumes and sets are in pristine shape and conjure up the requisite sense of magic effortlessly. The tunefulness and sprightly fun of Marc Shaiman’s music remains infectious and sweet.

Farinelli And The King – Cast Announced – Tickets On Sale

Mark Rylance in Farinelli at the Sam Wanamker Playhouse

Following a sell-out season at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, Claire Van Kampen’s new play Farinelli And The King will transfer to London’s Duke Of York’s Theatre for a strictly limited season commencing on September 14, 2015. Many of the cast of the original production will return to reprise their roles including award-winning actor Mark Rylance as King Philippe V of Spain, Sam Crane as Farinelli, Huss Harblya as Dr Jose Cervi, Meoldy Grove as Isabella Farnese, Colin Hurley as Metastasio and Edward Peel as De la Cuadra. The singing roles will be shared by Iestyn Davies and Rupert Enticknap. Set in eighteenth-century Spain, Claire van Kampen’s moving and mesmerising new play tells the intriguing true story of Farinelli, once the world’s most famous castrato and one of the greatest celebrities of his time, and his decision to trade fame and fortune in the opera-houses of Europe for a life of … Read more

Bomber’s Moon Transfers to Trafalgar 2

James Bolam and Steve John Shepherd in Bomber's Moon.

Following it’s acclaimed run at the Park Theatre in 2014, the play Bomber’s Moon will transfer to Trafalgar Studios 2 from April 20, 2015. Former RAF gunner Jimmy finds his routine disrupted when sensitive care assistant David arrives – and his cantankerous outlook and colourful language seem to be more than David can handle. As Jimmy increasingly snaps back to the adrenaline-fuelled terror of his WWII bombing raids, and David’s new found faith is tested to breaking point, both men discover that a lasting peace is not easily won. With acerbic wit and searing honesty, Bomber’s Moon is a bittersweet tour-de-force, full of gritty realism and razor-sharp humour. The play by William Ivory will star James Bolam ( New Tricks, Born and Bred, The Likely Lads, When The Boat Comes In) and Steve John Shepherd (EastEnders, This Life). Bomber’s Moon will be directed by Matt Aston, designed by Laura McEwen, … Read more

Rachel Tucker – Back From Broadway At The St James Theatre

Rachel Tucker to appear at the St James Theatre

Fresh from her acclaimed performances on Broadway in Sting’s musical The Last Ship, Rachel Tucker returns to the St James Theatre on Sunday 19th April with her all-new live solo show. Rachel is perhaps best known for her marathon run as Elphaba in Wicked, which saw her “green-up” for over two and a half years and over 1000 performances. Rachel’s theatre credits include Farragut North (Southwark Playhouse), We Will Rock You (Dominion Theatre), Tonight’s The Night (National tour), Rent (Olympia Theatre, Dublin), The Who’s Tommy (National tour), and The Full Monty (National tour). Rachel was also a finalist in the BBC series I’d Do Anything, which sought to find a performer to play Nancy in the West End. Rachel Tucker – Back From Broadway will play The St James Theatre on April 19 at 3pm and 7pm.

New Cast Announced For Charlie And The Chocolate Factory

Charlie and the chocolate Factory at the Theatre Royal Dury Lane

Now approaching its second anniversary, producers of the hit musical Charlie And The Chocolate Factory have announced the cast that will perform in the show into its third year. It was previously announced that Jonathan Slinger will be taking on the role of Willy Wonka. Alongside Jonathan will be Kraig Thornber (Grandpa George), Lara Denning (Mrs Bucket) and Mark Oxtoby (Jerry), among other new names. Original company members Ross Dawes and Derek Hagen will take over the roles of Mr Salt and Mr Bucket respectively. An unheard of two-thirds of the current cast will continue performing in Wonka’s factory. The continuing cast includes Roni Page, Myra Sands, Ross Dawes, Jasna Ivir, Paul J. Medford, Kate Graham Derek Hagen and Joe Allen, who have all been with the show since it opened in Spring 2013. Charlie And The Chocolate Factory continues to be one of the West End’s most popular stage … Read more

REVIEW: Sweeney Todd, Harringtons ✭✭✭✭✭

Siobhan McCarthy and Jeremy Secomb in Tooting Arts Club's Sweeney Todd.

Eschewing grandeur and wisely opting to follow that sensible motto, Less Is More, this transfer of the Tooting Arts Club production of late 2014 is a complete triumph in every way. It takes you by the throat and clasps you firmly in its thrall for its entire duration. It is shockingly powerful, brutally honest, raw and rich at the same time. A cast of eight, a band of three, clever but simple lighting, the potent power of blood and candles, economy in every department, a dedication to the text and the score: these are the ingredients of this absolute success.

REVIEW: Closer, Donmar Warehouse ✭✭✭✭

Closer at the Donmar Warehouse

Watching David Leveaux’ stylish revival at the Donmar Warehouse, Closer seems not so much a play about people who don’t have children yet as a play about grown up children. Games, set-ups, lies, betrayals, revenge, secrets – the machinations of the four characters (who are the strangers who become lovers/lovers who become strangers) resemble schoolyard activities. Marber’s dialogue is sharp, ugly and vicious; it is often very funny too.

The Commitments Celebrate St Patrick’s Day

The Commitments at the Palace Theatre London

BritishTheatre.com is pleased to bring you this special video from the cast of The Commitments to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. If you haven’t seen The Commitments, it’s the story of Jimmy Rabbitte, a young working class music fan, who shapes an unlikely bunch of amateur musicians into an amazing live act, the finest soul band Dublin has ever produced. The Commitments has been bringing the people’s music to the people of London playing to packed out houses since the show opening in September 2013 at the Palace Theatre. The family friendly show has been extended twice due to over whelming popular demand. The show is packed with classic soul songs including, Think by Aretha Franklin, (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction by the Rolling Stones, Papa Was A Rolling Stone by The Temptations, Knock on Wood by Eddie Floyd, In The Midnight Hour by Wilson Pickett, Try A Little Tenderness by … Read more