-
Review of ‘Rent’ (2026, West End): “Revival of Larson’s showpiece doesn’t put viewers over the moon”
No day like yesterday. And it’s not because the show has lost its resonance. It’s just that this production makes it very difficult to find it. Apart from the AIDS crisis, whose horrendous consequences have widely (and fortunately) become a thing of the past, most themes in Jonathan Larson’s posthumous hit are as relevant now…
-
Review of ‘From The Heart’: “Don Black musical revue has many aspects to love”
If you’re a regular theatregoer and new musicals have been on your radar in the last few years, you may have had the same thought: the genre is at its lowest. From forgettable scores that borrow too much from previous works and sound the same to thin plots and underdeveloped books, the flaws are as…
-
Ibsen researcher Kirsten Shepherd talks new play ‘Burning Down The House’: “It’s up to the audience to decide what they feel about Ibsen’s role in all of it”
The real story behind Ibsen’s magnum opus comes to life in Breach Theatre’s newest historical play. Guillermo Nazara chats with the show’s lead consultant about her research breakthroughs, the piece’s development and how it explores Laura Kieler’s devastating public exposure. What prompted you to research the real-life story of Laura Kieler? She’s always been in the…
-
Review of ‘Thelma & Louise’ (2026, Young Vic): “Road musical goes off a cliff, and it’s a complete car crash”
I was on a call with a friend from New York last night. As we discussed theatre (quelle surprise!), I told him I’d attended the newly opened Thelma & Louise musical. Enthusiastically, he told me he had just seen an advertisement for its transfer to the Great White Way. He was wrong, though. There’s no…
-
Review of ‘Franz & Marie’: “Tuneless musical misses the key in every aspect”
Shun everyone who tells you this is a good musical — or anything other than horrendously bad. After hundreds and hundreds of press nights I’ve taken a friend to, this is the first time he’s politely asked to leave during the interval. For the record, he’s the kind of person that tries to see the…
-
George Bladgen talks upcoming production of ‘Love Never Dies: “My challenge is for audiences to find some redeeming features in Raoul”
The sequel to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s haunting romance returns to the West End in a special concert version featuring a star-studded cast. Guillermo Nazara chats with one of its leads to learn about his approach to the role and its challenges just a few days ’till we hear him sing. How does it feel to…
-
Review of ‘The Brown Suite’: “Colourful dance montage is still a little green”
It follows the right path; it just doesn’t take all the right steps. It’s hard not to see all the possibilities dancing around this high-octane montage, set to some of the greatest R&B classics of the 20th century. It does exploit its potential at times. So much so that it’d be fair to call it…
-
In the rehearsal room of ‘From The Heart’
From legendary pop hits to some of the most iconic film and show tunes ever written, Don Black’s career has shaped the course of music by penning unforgettable words to timeless melodies. Join us as we sneak into the rehearsal room for this once-in-a-lifetime, star-studded concert celebrating the forever diamonds of his work. From The…
-
Review of ‘Hay Fever’ (Wyndham’s Theatre, 2026): “Drowsy performances are something to sneeze at”
“Don’t be so theatrical”, cries Christine Baranski’s son (only in fiction) as her character engages in one of her overdramatic tantrums. A confused audience chuckles. The thing is that she isn’t as flamboyant as her family tries to paint her. In fact, you may say that she isn’t flamboyant at all. Those who know her,…
-
Review of ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf’ (Soho Place, 2026): “Billy Crudup and Gillian Anderson are the hottest hot mess in town”
She’s finally done it. She’s no longer flat and boring as when she portrayed the nagging nonbeliever Dana Scully. And she isn’t the inaccurate caricature she played as Margaret Thatcher in The Crown. I must say I am really shocked. Surprised might be the word. And I shall add “pleasantly” to the description. Here comes…
