Marianka Swain - Page 22

A remarkable true story birthed this modest Canadian musical, which went on to storm Broadway in 2017, and now makes it West End debut at a time when its heartfelt message seems more necessary than ever. In these murky, cynical times, Irene Sankoff and David Hein's show feels like coming up for air.

Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss's hit concert-style musical SIX, which gives fresh, 21st-century girl power voice to the wives of Henry VIII, has returned to the Arts Theatre in the West End. The cast's queens discuss the show's success - and who is most like their alter ego... 

In a programme interview, Patricia Resnick - writer of both the original 1980 film and this 2008 musical adaptation - notes that Jane Fonda wanted to convey a political message about workplace sexism, but realised couching it in comedy would make it more palatable. Like composer Dolly Parton herself, who appears on video to top and tail the stage show, it's a considered combination of sugar and steel.

Fasten your seatbelts! Ivo van Hove has taken on the ultimate quotable backstage melodrama: Joseph L. Mankiewicz's 1950 Oscar-winning film about a celebrated actress and her young wannabe assistant. And the modern star power is assured: Gillian Anderson succeeds Bette Davis, while Lily James follows in the scheming footsteps of Anne Baxter.

Already admired in the industry for her impressive range of work, actress Justine Mitchell enjoyed a breakout hit recently with David Eldridge's Beginning, which transferred from the National to the West End. She's now tackling Anne Washburn's new Donald Trump-era play, which begins next week at the Almeida. 

Jamie Lloyd's outstanding season of Pinter shorts - chock-full of mini revelations, innovative stagings, and a thrilling range of work from both actors and creatives - finishes on a high note with this thoroughly entertaining pair.

West End favourite Jenna Russell made a surprisingly belated solo concert debut at Leicester Square Theatre, but, judging by this entirely winning performance, she's a natural. Seth Rudetsky, unparalleled master of the format, was on hand to accompany and guide her through a superlative set-list, as well as draw out anecdotes both deliciously foul-mouthed and funny, and unexpectedly moving.

Natalie McQueen's past work includes Kinky Boots, Wicked, Les Miserables and Murder Ballad. She's now starring as Doralee - Dolly Parton's role in the film version - in 9 to 5 the Musical, currently playing at the Savoy Theatre.

London is never short of temptations, whether splashy West End shows, epic dramas or bold fringe offerings. From a hit Canadian musical to showbiz satire and a classic sitcom reborn, here are some of this month's most eye-catching openings. Don't forget to check back for BroadwayWorld's reviews, interviews and features!

Matthew Croke is currently starring in the title role of Aladdin in the West End. He's also found the time to record his debut album, Only Dreaming, featuring a collection of classic songs from stage and screen.

Hampstead hosts the UK premiere of Polish-American playwright Martyna Majok's 2018 Pulitzer Prize-winning work, which explores - with thoughtful tenderness and a refreshing lack of schmaltz - the relationships between two people with disabilities and their carers.

Step away from the returns queue. The rare presence of Hollywood star Cate Blanchett on a London stage has caused a box office frenzy, but sadly this would-be provocative vehicle - Martin Crimp's loose variations on Samuel Richardson's 1740 proto-novel Pamela, directed by Katie Mitchell - isn't worthy of her talents, nor those of the excellent Stephen Dillane.

Jamie Lloyd's star-studded season of short Pinter plays continues with two more intriguing productions: one directed by Patrick Marber, the other by Lloyd himself. Among the subjects this time around are family, miscommunication, class, politics – plus an early bid for the most memorable wigs of 2019.

London is never short of temptations, whether splashy West End shows, epic dramas or bold fringe offerings. From Cate Blanchett's UK stage debut to a reborn Andrew Lloyd Webber, here are some of this month's most eye-catching openings. Don't forget to check back for BroadwayWorld's reviews, interviews and features!

London is never short of temptations, whether splashy West End shows, epic dramas or bold fringe offerings. We've already posted our Christmas picks, and now here are some of this month's most eye-catching openings (sans tinsel). Don't forget to check back for BroadwayWorld reviews, interviews and features!

This fascinating tome offers an insider's history of the National Theatre, via some 800 letters exchanged between Artistic Directors, actors, directors, playwrights, politicians, agents, critics and more. From arcane trivia through to vigorous words on the very nature and purpose of drama, it's a theatre geek's must-have.

It's a record-breaking 21st year at the Peacock Theatre for The Snowman, based on Raymond Briggs' beloved creation, with music from Howard Blake (including the iconic 'Walking in the Air'), choreography from Robert North and direction from Bill Alexander. Robert North looks back at the show's creation, ahead of its latest run beginning tonight.

There are plenty of seasonal treats served up in the capital this year, from pantos and plays to opera and dance. Here are some of the tastiest morsels for the 2018-19 festive period.

Hayden Tee's extensive musical theatre work includes playing both Marius and Javert in Les Miserables, as well as South Pacific, Titanic and Little Women. He's currently starring as Miss Trunchbull in Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre in the West End.

Jamie Lloyd's 10-anniversary season of Pinter (which kicked off in style earlier this autumn) continues with two more batches of miniatures - from familiar shorts like A Kind of Alaska to sketches and more obscure works - plus another tantalisingly starry company.