REVIEW: The Hard Problem, Dorfman Theatre ✭✭

The Hard Problem review Dorfman Theatre

The Hard Problem is populated with unpleasant and unlikeable people spouting difficult scientific jargon in a sea of sentimental and predictable banality. There are a handful of good jokes but a handful is insufficient. The detailed notes in the programme provided more dramatic interest than about 100 minutes of stage time.

London’s Ten Best Musicals – 6th February 2015

Standing Ovation

10 Best New Musicals in the West End 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. There are some great deals available for some of the shows on the list where you can save up to 60% on tickets. So go see them! If you prefer plays check out our Top 10 London Plays list. 1. Assassins – SOLD OUT What is most impressive about Lloyd’s Assassins is the way it can … Read more

Kinky Boots Is London Bound

Kinky Boots London Bound?

TICKETS ON SALE THROUGH BRITISHTHEATRE.COM ON MARCH 2, 2015 The Daily Mail confirmed today that the multi-award winning Broadway musical Kinky Boots is headed to London’s Adelphi Theatre this summer. Casting for the show is already underway with rehearsals due to begin in July, with a first preview scheduled for 21 August 2015. The search is now on for an entirely British cast. Director Jerry Mitchell told the mail “It’s got to be British actors, because one of the things we always took a beating on in New York was the accents.” Kinky Boots is based on the British film of the same name which starred Chiwetel Ejiofor. It tells the story of Charlie Price, who inherits his father’s shoe factory. Looking to save the family business, Charlie turns to a fabulously fashionable new friend — cabaret star Lola — who gives him an outrageous idea that could change both … Read more

London’s Ten Best Plays – 6 February 2015

West End Theatre

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. We’ve included booking links for the shows listed and there are some great offers available on some of these shows. So go see them! If you prefer musicals check out our Top 10 Musicals list. 1. Tree – Old Vic It’s gentle, fascinating stuff. Watching these two very different men bond over nothing really, except their maleness, and … Read more

REVIEW: Di and Viv and Rose, Vaudeville Theatre ✭✭✭✭

Di and Vive and Rose at the Vaudeville Theatre

Russell is the key to the trio, the ebullient, man-hungry, life-grabbing, and casually irritating Rose. Outhwaite is forthright and calming and when her world collapses, the pain is clear, bruising and sensitively conveyed. Her funeral oration in Act Two is especially good. Spiro imbues the most difficult character of the three with insight and understanding. Her final scene with Outhwaite is powerful indeed.

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory Extends Booking Period

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory musical London

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory continues its record-breaking run at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane with the announcement that is will be extending bookings until 4th June 2016.  This new booking period will go on sale on 9th February 2015. Producers also revealed that Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory broke the record for the highest weekly gross sales for a third time, taking more than £1.1 million in the week commencing 29 December 2014. That week saw the 2,200 seat theatre – one of the largest in the West End – 100% full, for every single performance. The production celebrated its 700th performance in the West End on Saturday 24th January 2015. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is directed by Sam Mendes. Featuring ingenious stagecraft, the wonder of the original story that has captivated the world for almost 50 years is brought to life with music by Marc … Read more

REVIEW: The Ruling Class, Trafalgar Studios ✭✭✭✭

James McAvoy and Kathryn Drysdale in The Ruling Class at Traflagar Studios

James McAvoy is a true, blistering, white-hot star who lights up every moment he is on stage, whose smile and darting, impressive eyes can say whatever he wants them to say; utterly mercurial, hilarious and wild one moment, malevolent and disturbed in the next, then sad or insane or calculating or sexy – or all of those at once.

Lara Pulver and Peter Davison Join Imelda Staunton In Gypsy

Imelda Staunton to appear in Gypsy at The Savoy Theatre

It has been announced that Peter Davison (Legally Blonde, Spamalot, Doctor Who) will join the cast of Gypsy playing Herbie alongside Imedla Staunton as Moma Rose. Lara Pulver (Parade, Honk!, The Last Five Years) will reprise the role of Louise with further casting to be announced. Gypsy is considered by many to be the greatest of the Broadway musicals. It tells the true story of ambitious showbiz mother Momma Rose, who treks across America with her daughters Baby June and Louise in search of success with their homespun vaudeville act. As times change, Momma Rose is forced to accept the demise of vaudeville and the rise of burlesque, as well as her daughters’ quest for autonomy. A musical fable with book by Arthur Laurents, Gypsy has music by Jule Styne, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim suggested by the memoirs of Gypsy Rose Lee, choreography by Stephen Mear, designs by Anthony Ward, … Read more