Pamela Raith News

A delightful comedy murder mystery musical that expertly blends humour, intrigue, and heartfelt friendship.

Two terrific leads will delight audiences, but the source material's misogyny proves too much to simply sweep aside

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.

New comedies are hard to get right and often land in a highly subjective space, but this one has to be called out as a bit of a dud

The full lineup has been revealed for the 2024 West End Live, featuring several West End productions, performing artists, and more! Learn more about the full lineup here!

With a captivating performance from Charlie Russell leading a fantastic ensemble and a well crafted script by Calum Finlay, this should mark your next visit to the Watermill Theatre in its amazing summer season.

A remarkably fresh take on the cult-classic musical.

Following smash hit West End seasons at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, two national tours and record-breaking runs at London’s The Other Palace, Heathers the Musical is back in the West End for only six weeks from 22 May before embarking on its third UK tour from 24 July at the Theatre Royal Windsor. Check out all new photos here!

New production photos have been released for award-winning murder mystery  musical Kathy and Stella Solve A Murder! Check out the photos here!

In a new interview, director Richard Linklater has praised Paul Mescal, who is playing Franklin Shephard in the film adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along. The movie, based on the Sondheim musical that is currently on Broadway, is being shot every couple of years over the course of 20 years.

All new rehearsal photos have been released from MARIE CURIE the Musical, featuring the cast and creative team. Check out the photos here!

Newbury’s The Watermill Theatre welcomed Dame Judi Dench on Friday 10 May for exclusive, one-off fundraising event - Shakespeare: Judi Dench in conversation with Brendan O’Hea​​​​​​​. Check out photos here!

A Song of Songs has been placed within a traditional Middle Eastern beat by Ofra Daniel, writer, composer, director, and lead actor as Tirzah, unfulfilled wife. Whether through the stamps and flowing skirts of flamenco or thumping percussive beats, the physicality of the piece takes centre stage. What may be missing is an emotional connection.

See first look photos of the London premiere of A Song of Songs, the award winning and critically acclaimed musical theatre experience opening Tuesday 14 May 2024.

The world premiere production of FANNY, a new comedy by Calum Finlay will play at The Watermill from Thursday 23 May to Saturday 15 June. Check out rehearsal photos here!

My Fair Lady, a Leeds Playhouse and Opera North co-production, opens in the Playhouse’s epic Quarry Theatre from 31 May – 29 June.  Check out all new rehearsal photos here!

FANNY, written by Calum Finlay and directed by Katie-Ann McDonough, is about to open at the Watermill Theatre in West Berkshire. The show tells the story of Fanny Mendelssohn, the real-life older sister of Felix Mendelssohn, and places her in a “what if” situation involving an intercepted letter and Queen Victoria. 

After spellbinding success in the Edinburgh Fringe, the not-safe-for-work musical parody Unfortunate dives into Glasgow to stage a revolutionary queerification of Disney's 1989 movie The Little Mermaid. 

Just yesterday, Tony Award-winning Broadway star of Shucked, Grammy nominated Alex Newell, led the 50th anniversary concert production of PIPPIN. Check out photos from the special night!

Stephen Schwartz's 70s musical Pippin makes a triumphant return with a note perfect casting at Drury Lane's concert version, with Fosse-inspired choreography and costumes given a disco pride vibe. Alex Newell's vocals do not disappoint, Jac Yarrow is a fine lead, while Patricia Hodge is a poignant Berthe.