Search Results for: imelda staunton

Critics Choice: 10 Best West End Musicals 29 May

Off West End, Reviews, West End
Imelda Staunton to appear in Gypsy at The Savoy Theatre

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 – awarded BritishTheatre.com’s only 6 Star Rating 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 … Read more

CRITICS CHOICE: Top 10 Musicals 1st 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

REVIEW: Follies In Concert, Royal Albert Hall ✭✭✭

Events, Reviews, West End
Follies In Concert at the Royal Albert Hall

In the case of Betty Buckley as Carlotta, the casting was inspired. Her powerful and joyful rendition of I’m Still Here stopped the show. But it was Anita Dobson’s self-deprecating turn as Stella which finally galvanised the entire company into glorious cohesion: her attack in Who’s That Woman was splendid (a gutsy belt matched her tap-dancing prowess) and she and all of the other women acquitted themselves well in bringing Andrew Wright’s clever choreography to life. The younger versions of Sally, Phyllis, Ben and Buddy were spot-on, engaging and sublime. Christine Baranski’s Phyllis was brittle, regal and immaculately stylish.

Gypsy Extends West End Run

News, West End
Imelda Staunton in Gypsy at the Savoy Theatre London

Following the resounding critical response to the opening of Gypsy in the West End, the show has announced an extension and is now booking at the Savoy Theatre until 28 November 2015. BritishTheatre.com’s lead critic Stephen Collins gave the show an unprecedented 6 star review saying “Staunton is simply magnificent as Rose. In absolutely every way” and  calling the production “the event of the decade“. This is the first time that Gypsy has been seen in the West End for forty years. It is considered by many to be the greatest of the classic Broadway musicals. The story of the Burleque stripper Gypsy Rose Lee, Gypsy is the story of the ultimate showbiz mother Rose and her daughters June and Louise. Gypsy is not to be missed. Tickets are still available but they won’t last long. BOOK TICKETS TO GYPSY READ STEPHEN’S 6 STAR REVIEW OF GYPSY

GALLERY: Gypsy Opening Night

Gallery, News, West End
Angela Lansbury and Imelda Staunton at the opening night of Gypsy in London

Gypsy opened last night in London in front of a star-studded audience and to critical raves. Starring Imelda Staunton as Mamma Rose, Peter Davison as Herbie and Lara Pulver as Louise, London’s original Momma Rose – Angela Lansbury was in the audience. Gypsy is directed by Jonathan Kent, 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, musical direction and orchestration by Nicholas Skilbeck, lighting by Mark Henderson and sound by Paul Groothuis. Read our review for Gypsy. BOOK TICKETS FOR GYPSY  

A 6 Star Review – Why?

News, Reviews, West End
Imelda Staunton in Gypsy at the Savoy Theatre London

Every so often a piece of theatre surpasses expectations and gives a reviewer pause when writing his/her review. At the conclusion of the show, and after writing their review, it was time to settle on the star rating, which is normally marked up to five stars. Star ratings are an arbitrary process in any event, and always reflect the individual reaction to a particular performance. Only on one previous occasion has the reviewer approached me as Managing Editor to ask the question “What if 5 stars just isn’t enough?” On both occasions, the reviewers in question they both explained that they felt the shows were thrillingly performed and perfectly staged. 5 stars just didn’t seem enough. After consultation, an executive decision was made to allow certain extraordinary shows to be awarded BritishTheatre.com’s rarely awarded 6 Star rating. This is a rare accolade and is only awarded to the most exceptional … Read more

REVIEW: Gypsy, Savoy Theatre ✭✭✭✭✭✭

Reviews, West End
Imelda Staunton in Gypsy at London's Savoy Theatre

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 is difficult to believe that there has ever been a better Rose than Staunton creates here.

2015 Olivier Award Winners

News, West End
Dame Angela Lansbury wins her first ever Olivier Award for Blithe Spirit at the 2015 Olivier Awards

The 2015 Olivier Awards were held tonight at the Royal Opera House in London. Hosted by Lenny Henry, the evening was dominated by The Young Vic and Sunny Afternoon. The Young Vic’s production of A View From The Bridge won for Best Revival, Best Actor and Best Director whilst Sunny Afternoon won for Best New Musical, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and Outstanding Achievement in Music. Dame Angela Lansbury received her first ever Olivier Award for Best Supporting Actress. The Play That Goes Wrong won Mischief Theatre the award for Best Comedy. Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, Memphis and City Of Angels won two awards each. The evening concluded with a heartfelt rendition of Bridge Over Troubled Water by Kevin Spacey and Beverley Knight. Spacey has just been awarded the special Olivier Award for his work over the last decade at the Old Vic. A very special night indeed. … Read more