Review: BIRDSONG, Richmond Theatre
Touring production will pull in fans of the book, but needs to find something more to say if it is to convert those new to the story. See what our critic thought of the production.
Photos: WAR HORSE UK and Ireland Tour in Rehearsal
Rehearsal photos have been released for the National Theatre’s internationally acclaimed production of War Horse, based on Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel, which begins its major UK and Ireland tour on 5 September 2024 at the New Wimbledon Theatre.
Review: SOMETHING ROTTEN! IN CONCERT, Theatre Royal Drury Lane
In line with the trend of the moment, this is more than a concert and less than a full production. The set has been kept to a minimum, featuring only two heavy-looking wooden tables with chairs and banners with Tudor insignia, but there’s enough costumes and choreography to have a proper glimpse of what it might look like fully staged.
Review: SHREK THE MUSICAL, Eventim Apollo
Shrek the Musical, with book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori, has arrived in London. Directed by Samuel Holmes, this adaptation of the iconic 2001 movie stars Antony Lawrence as Shrek, a lonely ogre who ends up falling in love with the unusual Princess Fiona (Joanna Clifton).
Review: BARNUM, Watermill Theatre
The Watermill’s dazzling production fully immerses the audience into the showman’s wondrous world in spite of its inherent script issues. With an all-round talented cast led by the ever charismatic Matt Rawle, you’d be justified if you wanted to run away and join the circus after watching this.
Review: STARLIGHT EXPRESS, Troubadour Theatre
Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight Express is possibly one of the world's most bizarre musicals-yes, even more so than Cats. A child's dream-like world where trains compete for races and for each other, all set on roller skates. And yet, this 1984 musical's latest revival will make a new generation fall in love with this loud, bright and captivating production.
Review: MARIE CURIE, Charing Cross Theatre
She was exceptional, but the musical written about her is anything but. It tends to be old-fashioned and traditional in structure, willing itself to be a majestic epic, but never reaching that stage. Her life story feels rushed and vague, the songs are run-of-the-mill, standardised, lacking that big “I want” statement that would cement her passion and drive the tale. It also all sounds the same throughout. Ultimately, it holds itself back, mainly with the quality of the writing.