West End

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Bomber’s Moon Transfers to Trafalgar 2

News, West End
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

News, West End
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 the Musical, News, West End
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 ✭✭✭✭✭

Reviews, West End
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 ✭✭✭✭

Reviews, West End
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

News, Video, West End
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

REVIEW: Antigone, Barbican ✭✭✭✭

Reviews, West End
Juliet Binoche in Antigone at the Barbican

If your view of Greek tragedy is that it should be interminable, histrionic, lyrical, grand and unfathomably disturbing, then this Antigone is not for you. But if you are open to the possibility that Greek tragedy can tap into the fears and troubles of any generation, then this is an irresistible production, compelling and disturbing.

REVIEW: The Phantom Of The Opera, Her Majesty’s Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Reviews, The Phantom Of The Opera, West End
Andrew Lloyd Webber's The Phantom Of The Opera continues at Her Majesty's Theatre, London.

Although there are a few moments when the old girl creaks slightly, for the most part the staging feels contemporary and interest is snapped to attention right from the very start, when the slightly menacing words of the auctioneer herald the commencement of proceedings. The sequences in the Phantom’s lair, complete with boat, candles and ornate organ are almost hypnotic; tendrils of smoke wrap around the imagination, infusing the action and music with intrigue. Harriet Jones is beautiful, petite and alluring, exactly as Christine Daaé should be. Vocally, as the Phantom, Kieran Brown’s fine, high-baritone is silky, seductive, and powerful.